The Reagan National and Dulles International airports authority has taken over the operation of the Dulles Toll Road from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Following the transition, the toll revenue from the highway will be used by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to pay for the $5bn Metrorail extension to Dulles Airport.

The eight-lane, 14-mile toll road runs between Interstate 66 near the West Falls Church Metro station and Dulles airport.

The road, which had been operated by the state Transportation Department, is expected to generate $66m in 2009.