Consultant previews statewide MPO roadway network study and next steps

Tim Barrett, consultant project manager, updated JPAC on the statewide MPO roadway network study funded by the legislature. He described the effort to evaluate connectivity, resilience and access across the four MPO regions and the steps to identify network interventions.

Barrett said the team built a data backbone and model‑based metrics assessing accessibility, efficiency and resilience, and has moved into developing an initial broad list of potential projects for each MPO. He described a funnel process—brainstorm, refine, evaluate and prioritize—culminating in a project list suitable for metropolitan transportation plans and corridor studies.

Next steps include MPO staff review, technical advisory committee outreach to localities, refinement of project descriptions and order‑of‑magnitude costs, and scenario evaluation to produce a prioritized list. The study will also compile information on jurisdictional ownership and options to facilitate implementation and possible transfers of responsibility.

Barrett said the project team will publish a web map and deliverables to support stakeholder review and RTP incorporation.

Ending: The study team asked MPOs and local partners to participate in upcoming reviews as the project moves toward prioritized recommendations for RTP consideration.