Outer Beltway Proposals

Officials are considering proposals to build new north-south highways to the west of our existing suburban communities. These highways would make traffic congestion worse, not better.

These proposals have been called many different names over the years, but they amount to the construction of an Outer Beltway through Loudoun - one piece at a time. These proposals go by many names - Western Transportation Corridor (WTC), Tri-County Parkway (TCP), Manassas Battlefield Byass, and the Techway - but don't be fooled. Officials are also talking about a new Potomac River crossing.

If approved 
An Outer Beltway would encourage new development, bring more traffic, and squander our taxpayer dollars. If built, the TCP would have major impacts on neighborhoods including Kirkpatrick Farms, Stone Ridge, Brambleton, and River Creek.

An excerpt from the Washington Airports Task Force's (WATF) November 2004 newsletter shows the connection between potential new development and Outer Beltway segments.

Why it's important
Our major traffic problems are east-west. We need traffic solutions that will work for the commuters of Loudoun County and upgrade our local road grid.

Who decides
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Governor Kaine, county officials, the federal government in cases that involve federal funding

Latest action 
In April 2007, the Transportation Planning Board revised the region's long range plan and continued to support pieces of the Outer Beltway.

In November 2005, the Commonwealth Transportation Planning Board voted to support the western route for the TCP, which would run through southern Loudoun County. While the state has no funding for the project currently available, VDOT is seeking construction proposals from private developers.

The Loudoun County Planning Commission continues to consider the WTC.

Next step
The federal government will release a final environmental impact statement (FEIS), most likely in late 2006.

More information on the Tri-County Parkway
More information on the Western Transportation Corridor
More information on New Potomac River Crossings

Excerpt from the Washington Airports Task Force's (WATF) November 2004 newsletter:

"Communities equal in population to the City of Alexandria are being projected along Rt. 50 west of Dulles over the next 20 years... Collectively, the developments would fund reconstruction of Rt. 50 as a six-lane limited access highway to the Fairfax County border, as well as the construction of north-south at-grade expandable highways to connect with the proposed Rt. 234 Bypass extension at the Prince William County border. The WATF advised Supervisor Snow it could support increased housing density given adequate regional access beyond Loudoun County and developments compatible with flight operations."

The reference to "north-south at-grade expandable highways to connect with the proposed Rt 234 Bypass extension" implies that this project is linked to construction of the Outer Beltway proposals.