Federal approval has been granted for plans to extend the Washington Metrorail system to Dulles International Airport.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is to provide $900 million of funding for the project which will connect the airport to West Falls Church.

Design and construction plans are currently being finalized, with $158.7 million of the FTA money designated to completing financial and engineering requirements.

Jim Simpson, FTA Administrator said that the government department will work closely with the city to monitor progress and spending.

The extension will see the creation of 11 new Metro stops with four in the Tysons Corner area.

Original proposals suggested that Phase I of the project connecting the new Silver Line to Wiehle Avenue in Reston from East Falls Church Metro was scheduled for completion by 2012. This is expected to be pushed back following earlier problems to negotiate funding.

© Adfero Ltd

About the author

Author Pleasance Coddington
Pleasance CoddingtonPleasance is a British travel writer and online content specialist in travel. She has written for numerous publications and sites including Wired, Lucky, Rough Guides and Yahoo! Travel. After working for six years on content and social media at VisitBritain, she is now the Global Content and Social Media Manager for Cheapflights.

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