Congressman calls for halt of Dulles Greenway toll increase

WASHINGTON - Congressman Frank Wolf is urging Virginia lawmakers to freeze the cost of Dulles Greenway tolls, which are set to gradually increase by 60 percent through 2012.

Wolf says toll increases on the 14-mile highway that runs between Leesburg and Dulles Airport is beginning to force people off the road and into area neighborhoods.

The State Corporation Commission approved a request in September to raise the one-way rush-hour toll for cars to $4.80 by 2012. The one-way toll rose from $2.70 to $3 in July.

The commission says Virginia law required the increase so that the toll road’s owners could make a profit. Wolf wants lawmakers to give the commission more leeway to reject toll increases.