On May 15, the Transportation Planning Board made a key decision in the development of Visualize 2050, the next National Capital Region Transportation Plan (NCRTP), and the FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), by approving the scope of work and project inputs for the Air Quality Conformity Analysis. Before the vote, the board opted to remove one project, I-495 Southside Express Lanes, from the list of project inputs agreeing to discuss further its inclusion during the June 20 TPB meeting. All major transportation projects must be included in Visualize 2050 to receive federal funding and approvals.

The board’s action comes after two public comment periods and an extensive review conducted by TPB member agencies, including the District of Columbia DOT, Maryland DOT, and Virginia DOT. TPB staff will now begin the air quality conformity analysis to ensure the projects collectively contribute to the air quality improvement goals of the region. The analysis takes approximately ten months to complete.

Air Quality Conformity Analysis in Brief

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Clean Air Act and subsequent amendments require that the NCRTP and TIP are consistent with air quality goals and progress towards achieving and maintaining federal air quality standards. The TPB performs a mobile source emission analysis for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). The analysis must demonstrate that the region’s planned transit and highway capacity-related projects are within limits outlined in state air quality implementation plans. 

Looking Ahead

Once the air quality conformity analysis is concluded, the TPB will hold a third comment period on the draft Visualize 2050 plan and FY 2026-2029 TIP. The projects approved for the air quality analysis are just a portion of the projects that will be included in the draft plan. For example, the TPB has received numerous comments and questions about bicycle and pedestrian projects. The final Visualize 2050 plan will incorporate a number of active transportation projects funded along with maintenance, operations and other transit or roadway improvements to be completed by the year 2050.

Visit visualize2050.org for updates on the plan’s progress.