22304_selling t1_itv1y5g wrote on October 26, 2022 at 2:56 PM

If anything, credit should be given to the planners of Dulles Airport back in the 1950s and 1960s for reserving the median right-of-way in the Dulles Toll Road, for a future rapid transit system to the airport that none of them would themselves live to see.

Their prescience even allows for this discussion. I think most metropolitan areas haven't had the same opportunity to build rapid transit to major facilities.

CrownStarr t1_itvukp3 wrote on October 26, 2022 at 6:03 PM

Seriously, that blew my mind when I first learned about it. Imagine our infrastructure being built with that kind of future-proofing today.

22304_selling t1_itw68fh wrote on October 26, 2022 at 7:18 PM

The new Wilson Bridge [was designed for later installation of a future rapid transit system].(https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2001/04/06/new-stops-in-wilson-bridge-rail-plan/c491a6de-0e43-4dd6-b44b-f310702bf9e7/).

>Engineers designing the new $2.2 billion Woodrow Wilson Bridge are making sure the span can carry a rail line.

SandBoxJohn t1_itxjtso wrote on October 27, 2022 at 1:01 AM

It should also be noted that the land procured for the easement for the Dulles Access Road was made wide enough to not only build a future rail line but also to build the Toll Road.