VIP Newsletter

As a VIP member, you will now have the capability to update your account information online at www.dullesgreenway.com without having to call the Greenway office.  You can update your address, phone number, email address, and reset your password.

When visiting the site, please verify your information on file is correct so you can receive your VIP refund check in a timely manner.  In addition, if you have received a replacement transponder please make sure the new transponder is showing on your account.

First time users must click on “Register Now” to obtain an electronic membership.  You will need your VIP account number and your E-ZPass transponder number to set up a password for account access. If you have any questions regarding your VIP Miles membership, please call our Public & Customer Relations department at 703-668-0033.

We thank you for your commitment to the Dulles Greenway.  Saving time, saving money, and living better—it is all yours with the VIP Miles Frequent Rider Program and the Dulles Greenway.

On Friday, August 19, 2011, over 1,200 motorcycles traveled the Dulles Greenway in remembrance of those who lost lives on September 11, 2001. The 10th Annual Commemorative Motorcycle Ride featured riders from across North America as they visited each of the 9/11 crash sites during their two-day journey.  Dulles Greenway CEO Tom Sines and his wife Connie were among the riders who started in Shanksville, PA and travelled through Leesburg onto the Greenway in route to the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. On Aug. 20, the riders made their way to Ground Zero in New York, NY.

The Dulles Greenway was honored to donate $4,721.20 to cover their toll expenses.  The Greenway has been a sponsor of the America’s 9/11 Ride for the past 6 years and is proud to support those who answer the 911 calls every day!

For more information on America’s 9/11 Foundation visit:

www.americas911ride.org.

Now that school is back in session and traffic on the Greenway has picked up from the summer lull (the day of the earthquake aside), we’d like to remind our frequent drivers of a few safety reminders:

1. Never back up at the toll plaza
2. Proceed slowly through the toll gates
3. Please make sure your transponder is mounted to the windshield
4. Please contact our control room at 703-661-1000 to reports problems exiting the toll plaza.
5. Virginia law bans texting or emailing while driving and Drivers with intermediate licenses can’t use a cell phone while driving
6. To report drunk or dangerous drivers contact the Virginia State Police by dialing “#77” on your cell phone.

We hope you find this information useful and look forward to your continued safe use of the Dulles Greenway.

With the completion and with the early success of the Dulles Toll Road (DTR) in the 80’s, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Loudoun County became interested in the possibility of expanding the road further west (see last quarter’s newsletter link).  With no major expressways or arterial roads at the time, Loudoun was anxious to build a new road to help significantly improve access.  The Commonwealth didn’t appear to be ready and willing to build the road so John Miller of the Municipal Development Corporation and Bill Allen of Parson Brinckerhoff led the drive to create the extension of the DTR, with a focus on building the road privately.What was needed was a legislative mechanism to make this happen.  In 1986 Virginia Governor Gerald L. Baliles was elected with a major focus on transportation.  He quickly created a blue ribbon panel called the Commission on Transportation for the 21st Century (COT 21) charged with finding creative solutions to Virginia’s transportation shortcomings.  The time was ripe for new and innovative approaches.

Miller quickly found that Virginia law reserved the authority to operate turnpikes and toll roads for the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions and he began to discuss his idea and the necessary legislation.  Miller began discussing the potential legislation with numerous groups and legislators and ultimately presented draft legislation to the COT 21 group.  In 1987, COT 21 included a recommendation in its final report that Virginia explore the possibility of privately financed and operated roads.  Momentum was building.

Central to the growing momentum was Loudoun County’s own State Senator Charles Waddell, Chair of the Transportation Committee.  He was interested in the concept of a privatized toll road but not ready to endorse the idea without the support of VDOT and Loudoun County.   Discussions ensued with Waddell, VDOT, Loudoun County and State Senator Tom Michie of Charlottesville on the matter.  Michie and Waddell focused on public safeguards, including the local jurisdictions having veto power over the road and the road meeting VDOT design standards among several other issues.  Thus, The Virginia Highway Corporation Act of 1988 was introduced and became law.

PART TWO IN A SERIES