The draft Visualize 2050 plan, our region's long-range transportation plan, has too many highway and arterial road expansions that will increase driving and climate emissions. We will miss our region’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 – even if there’s a rapid switch to electric vehicles.

July 30, 2025 | Scott McCaffrey | FFXnow “From the beginning, VDOT’s study has been fatally flawed,” said Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. Without more analysis, there is no logical reason for the proposal to move forward, he said. “The project is not ready,” Schwartz said.

From the beginning the VDOT study has been fatally flawed by a conclusions-first approach – defining their purpose and need as “extending express toll lanes” which forecloses other alternatives. Moreover, they have not provided all the information necessary for an informed decision – particularly the traffic impact on connecting roads. Given the missing information and strong concerns expressed by Fairfax, Prince George’s, Alexandria, Charles, WMATA, and state legislators in Virginia and Maryland, this project is not ready for inclusion in the regional plan.

Say no to highway expansion and more traffic

Re: NoVA transportation needs to prioritize transit funding and service enhancement, roadway safety, alternatives to road capacity expansion, and climate action Chairs and directors of Northern Virginia transportation agencies: The Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) appreciates your gathering together to hear from the public and stakeholders and share information on