Regional transportation plan draft update ready for public comment
A new approach to highway funding in the metro area and the first significant aviation update since 1996 mark the major changes in the 2010 draft update to the region’s 2030 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP), recently released for public comment.
The 2010 draft update to the current plan, adopted in January 2009, also includes other less significant adjustments, including text that updates financial forecasts and accounts for projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The draft plan update defines a vision for actively managing congestion in the metro area highway system.
Specifically, the draft plan includes the policy direction for highway funding in the metro area that resulted from the Metropolitan Highway System Investment Study, a study conducted jointly with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), and other related Mn/DOT congestion management studies. The draft plan defines a more flexible highway strategy than previous plans that will provide a greater benefit to managing congestion throughout the metro-area highway system.
The draft defines the vision for actively managing congestion in the highway system, as well as fully utilizing existing right-of-way and capacity. Among strategies identified are a managed lane system, such as the MnPASS lanes on I-394 and I-35W, and lower-cost/high-benefit projects, where targeted capacity enhancements provide significant benefit throughout a particular corridor.
Draft incorporates updated airport plans
In terms of aviation, the draft plan accounts for the new forecasts for 2030, results of technical evaluations, and the long-term comprehensive plans for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and those submitted by three reliever airports. The draft plan also retains current functional classifications.
The draft transit chapter includes an updated transitway map, with changes identifying the need to evaluate the Midtown Corridor as a transitway and identifying the high-priority passenger rail corridor included in the Mn/DOT Statewide Rail Plan. The map also includes the light-rail transit route for the Southwest Corridor, amended to the plan in early 2010.
The plan update incorporates new aviation forecasts and the updated comprehensive plan for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Plan documents are available online, or copies may also be obtained by contacting the Regional Data Center.
Open houses, public hearings scheduled
A public hearing on the draft plan is set for Monday, Sept. 27 at 5 p.m., as part of the Transportation Committee’s regular meeting. That meeting is scheduled for the chambers at the Fred T. Heywood office building in Minneapolis, which houses the Metro Transit administrative offices, at 560 N. Sixth Ave.
Four other open houses are planned for the public to view the plan and provide public comment:
- Tuesday, Aug. 31 – 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Short presentation at 6 p.m.
Blaine City Hall, Cloverleaf Room
10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine - Wednesday, Sept. 1 – 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Short presentation at 6 p.m.
Southdale Library, Meeting Room
7001 York Ave. S., Edina - Tuesday, Sept. 14 – 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Short presentation at 6 p.m.
Dakota County Western Service Center,
Atrium
14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley - Tuesday, Sept. 21 – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Short presentation at 12 noon
Metropolitan Council Chambers
390 N. Robert Street, St. Paul
Public comment is being accepted on the plan through 5 p.m. Oct. 7. To comment on the TPP draft:
- Write the Regional Data Center at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101
- Email the Regional Data Center at data.center@metc.state.mn.us
- Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904)
- Fax the Regional Data Center at 651.602.1464.
The Council plans to consider adoption of the draft plan in November.