The 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is Triangle West's TPO's currently adopted MTP, or long-range plan. Engagement to move towards adoption of the 2055 MTP began in November 2023 with the goals and objectives visioning process. This plan will be known publicly as "Destination 2055" and additional details can be found through the designated plan website at Destination2055NC.com, or by signing up for updates through the "subscribe" option below.
The federal government requires the TPO to update their MTP at least every five years. The MTP should list the highway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and other transportation projects to be implemented over at least the next twenty years to address expected travel demand. This long-range plan also has to be based on local land use plans and demonstrate that the expected revenues will cover the expected costs – this is also called fiscal constraint. As a practical matter, the MTP is important because projects to be submitted into the prioritization process for possible state and federal funding must come from the MTP, and local governments use the MTP to reserve right-of-way for future highway and rail transit projects.
The series of tabs on this Web page show the engagement components for updating the plan, and will include the documents and maps used to develop the 2055 MTP. The tabs are ordered to coincide with the process; they start with the Goals and Objectives, lead to the Alternatives Analysis, and end with the Adopted Plan.
The StoryMap on this webpage allows readers to follow along as we develop the MTP and provide comments during the MTP Development Process. The MTP Development Process takes place in four (4) main phases with public engagement taking place throughout all phases:
The long-range planning process for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) begins with an engagement strategy and a schedule. While the Triangle West TPO has an overarching Public Involvement Policy (PIP) for all activities, Triangle West works in partnership with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) to create an engagement strategy, as the two MPOs share a single MTP.
The engagement strategy lays the groundwork for all engagement that will happen across the MTP update period, which is a fairly lengthy process. Adoption of this plan update is expected to occur around November 2025 which means the full process is expected to take a full two years.
The campaign name for the MTP this cycle is Destination 2055 and more details can be found at Destination2055NC.com.
Below is the expected timeline for public engagement (subject to change):
December 2023 - Goals and Objectives (completed)
April 2025 – Alternatives Analysis
July 2025 - Preferred Option
November 2025 - Destination 2055 MTP Adoption
Engagement Strategy* (approved for use in November 2023)
*The strategy is subject to change over time based on ongoing engagement needs.
The first public engagement phase is the visioning process that looks at the goals and objectives of the plan. The Board approved the goals at their June 25, 2024 meeting for use in the development of the 2055 MTP.
To learn more about the MTP, visit Destination2055NC.com.
During Phase 2 both MPOs in partnership with Central Pines Regional Council:
- Examine existing conditions
- Forecast future problems
- Develop & analyze alternative scenarios
In this Phase, the following components are completed:
- Pre-MTP Scenarios, often referred to as Testing Scenarios or Learning Scenarios
- Deficiency and Needs Analysis, often referred to as Existed + Committed (E+C); and
- Alternatives Analysis.
During Phase 3 both MPOs in partnership with Central Pines Regional Council:
- Select the preferred option
- Analyze fiscal feasibility; and
- Confirm preferred option
During Phase 4 both MPOs in partnership with Central Pines Regional Council:
- Finalize fiscal constraint
- Air quality conformity documentation; and
- Adoption
If you need assistance related to this plan, please contact Colleen McGue (See: Staff Directory).