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Transportation Planning

Transportation planning guides infrastructure investment and urban growth. The National Academies study modeling, policy, and accessibility to support efficient transportation systems. 

What's happening

Public Meeting on Airspace Design, Civil-Military Coordination, and Operational Safety in the National Capital Region

Announcement

On Jan. 29, 2025, a passenger jet descending to Ronald Reagan National Airport and a U.S. Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing all passengers and crew of the two aircraft. Join us May 21 for a public meeting of a National Academies’ Transportation Research Board study on airspace design, civil-military coordination, and operational safety in the D.C. region. Speakers include representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, families and friends of American Airlines Flight 5342, and other stakeholders.

May 20, 2026

Transforming Transportation: Leveraging the Power of Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Automation

Announcement

AI, automation, digitalization, and advanced data systems are driving rapid change in the transportation industry. A new publication from the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board highlights key trends shaping the transportation landscape and identifies opportunities for research, collaboration, and innovation across the public and private sectors.

Apr 28, 2026
3d low poly illustration of moving high-speed train on rail bridge. Transport, travelling, logistics, tourism concept isolated in black. Abstract vector mesh with lines, dots and blue particles

Video Recordings from TRB Annual Meeting Now Available

Announcement

The 2026 TRB Annual Meeting brought together thousands of transportation researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share current research and discuss pressing issues across all transportation modes. Watch sessions featuring high-profile speakers focused on the surface transportation funding reauthorization bill, megaprojects, road safety, and modernizing transportation systems.

Jan 27, 2026
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