The Dulles Greenway: A Critical Part of Northern Virginia’s Transportation Network

For 30 years, the Dulles Greenway has been an essential part of Northern Virginia’s transportation network, providing a faster, safer, and more reliable option. By providing an alternative to congested Northern Virginia roads and saving commuters time, the Greenway allows customers to spend more of their day doing what they need to do rather than spending time getting there.

As Northern Virginia experienced rapid population growth in the 1980s, transportation officials recognized that Loudoun County’s existing infrastructure was insufficient. To address this growing challenge, extending the Dulles Toll Road into Loudoun County was identified as a top transportation priority for the Commonwealth.

No public funding was available for construction or operation so local investors stepped in to finance the road with private funds. In return, the Commonwealth assured these investors an opportunity to earn a reasonable return. This ensured that no taxpayer dollars were used to build, operate or maintain the road.

Since opening in 1995, the Greenway has provided commuters with a reliable alternative to congestion. While other private toll roads in Northern Virginia were later built using hundreds of millions in taxpayer funding, the Greenway has never received a single public dollar—keeping its commitment to remain a privately funded, self-sustaining model.

The Greenway's Benefits for Drivers

Today, the Greenway continues to provide significant benefits to drivers saving commuters an average of one hour and twenty minutes during rush hour each week. By continuing to provide an efficient and safe alternative to congestion, the Greenway remains a critical part of Northern Virginia’s transportation future.