Photo: NVTA
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) announced in a July 10th press release that it had adopted its FY2026-2031 Six-Year Program (SYP), committing $776 million toward twenty-one multimodal transportation projects across Northern Virginia. NVTA CEO Monica Backmon stated that this approval permits a significant investment in Northern Virginia's transportation system:
"By funding projects across all modes of travel, we are advancing solutions that reduce congestion and support the region's continued growth and economic competitiveness."
What Is the NVTA?
The NVTA is a relatively new government body, comprised of a regional council of elected leaders from Prince William, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, among them local mayors and the chairs of county supervisor boards, as well as local members of the Virginia Assembly, and state government officials charged with oversight of major highways and of public transportation.
The NVTA came into being in 2002 with passage of a Virginia Senate bill, however, the council did not acquire tangible ability to influence the area's transportation scheme until 2013. That year, Virginia House Bill 2313 created a regular revenue stream from state sales tax dollars that would go to the NVTA specifically for remedying traffic problems in Northern Virginia.
During its 24 years of work, the NVTA can be credited with significant investment across all modes of ground transportation in Northern Virginia, including transit, roadway enhancements, technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and intersection/interchange improvements.
Where the Money Comes From
Readers may be surprised to learn that most of the NVTA's revenue — the Regional Revenue Fund, or "PayGo" cash that it has available to fund projects — is derived from an additional tax of 0.7%, call it a surcharge, applied to state and local sales tax in the NOVA area.
As of Fiscal Year 2025, for example, NVTA estimated this surcharge accounted for about 84% of NVTA revenue, over $377 million, with the remainder from various fees and federal and state transfers. The NVTA funds received from all of these sources totaled by internal estimate over $448 million during this period.
The Impact in Woodbridge
How have these funds supported getting around in Woodbridge? According to Abigail Hillerich, their public affairs director, the NVTA has invested more than $1 billion in over forty Prince William County transportation projects over several years.
Review of more recent projects suggests some clear benefits for Woodbridge area residents, commuters and businesses. The NVTA provided $63 million for the recent, much-needed Route 1 widening in Woodbridge between Featherstone Road and Mary's Way, completed in 2023.
Some area projects currently underway include:
Route 234 shared-use path improvement for bicycles and pedestrians crossing I-95
Route 1 (Fraley Boulevard) widening in Dumfries, from Brady's Hill Road to Dumfries Road
Transit center construction at the Horner Road Commuter Lot
Dale City Transit Priority Project — perhaps the most ambitious, creating dedicated (HOV) lanes along Minnieville Road running from the Horner Road Commuter Lot to the Dale City lot, for use during AM and PM rush hour periods
To Learn More
Overview of the NVTA: Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA)