Public Comment Period Begins for MoDOT Long Range Transportation Plan

MoDOT has launched a 30-day public comment period on an update of the state’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

The plan is described as a federally required process that sets the state’s 25-year vision for transportation.

“Our long range planning process is a critical time for our department to assess the needs of our system and hear directly from our customers – the citizens of Missouri – to ensure our priorities match the needs of our people,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna.

MoDOT says Missouri’s current plan was approved in February 2014, but new federal laws and regulations require additional content, including safety performance measures and targets.

In the previous effort, 4 goal areas were established:

· Take care of the transportation system and services we enjoy today.
· Keep all travelers safe, no matter the mode of transportation.
· Invest in projects that spur economic growth and create jobs.
· Give Missourians better transportation choices.

MoDOT sought public input last fall to help determine if those goals were still valid, or if priorities had changed. Nearly 8,000 people participated in the online survey and submitted about 5,400 comments.

Based on that feedback, the four goals above were validated and a 5th goal was added to the updated plan:

· Improve reliability and reduce congestion on Missouri’s transportation system.

A press release from MoDOT says that for the first time, the plan also examines how Missouri should prepare for autonomous and connected vehicles.

A draft of the Long-Range Transportation Plan can be viewed online at www.modot.org/LRTP/, or at any MoDOT District Office.

Anyone who would like to comment on the plan can contact MoDOT by emailing LRTPcomments@modot.mo.gov.

More information about the survey and the long range planning process can be found by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). Missouri residents can also mail questions to Transportation Planning, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

The comment period ends on May 4, 2018.

The final plan will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for approval at the meeting in June.