Cars driving on a road next to a bike path with cyclists riding along it
Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

2050 Regional Transportation Plan

Connect Greater Madison 2050 Regional Transportation Plan logo

Our Connect Greater Madison 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is the region’s long-term blueprint for building a safe and efficient transportation network. 

With the Greater Madison area expected to grow by 35% by 2050—adding nearly 195,000 new residents and 127,000 new jobs—a well-coordinated transportation system is essential to keeping our region moving. 

The RTP guides strategic investments to address challenges like congestion and support economic development, ensuring that everyone who lives, works, and travels in the region has access to a connected, reliable transportation system.

Plan Requirements

Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs) have to follow federal guidelines to keep long-term planning on track and stay eligible for federal funding.

These requirements include:

  • Looking ahead: Forecasting transportation needs for at least 20 years
  • Setting a vision: Identifying policies, strategies, and projects to guide future investments
  • Creating balance: Combining short- and long-term strategies to build a well-connected transportation system that supports driving, public transit, biking, and walking
  • Planning for costs: Including estimates for infrastructure, operations, and maintenance
  • Keeping it current: Updating the plan every five years to reflect changing needs

Coordination with Regional Planning

Connect Greater Madison 2050 was developed in partnership with the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission’s (CARPC) 2050 Regional Development Framework, which serves as the region's advisory guide for land use planning.

The framework:
  • Reflects public priorities and local government input
  • Uses growth projections to guide future development
  • Establishes goals, objectives, and strategies for accommodating Dane County’s future growth

Investment Priorities & Funding

Over the next three decades, Connect Greater Madison 2050 outlines nearly $12.5 billion in transportation investments to keep the region moving. The plan ensures that:

  • Projects are well-coordinated across municipal, county, state, and federal agencies
  • Investments support regional priorities, creating a connected network for driving, public transit, biking, and walking
  • Projects remain eligible for federal funding, as the plan serves as the framework for federally funded transportation improvements

By taking a long-term, strategic approach, the plan helps secure funding and ensures that transportation investments make the biggest impact for communities across the region.

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