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TDOT presents 'Mobility in Motion' policy update; short policy plan due by year‑end, fuller statewide update planned for 2026
Summary
TDOT and its consultant outlined a multi‑phase update to the statewide long‑range plan called Mobility in Motion, describing guiding principles, regional data findings and a policy‑level update to be completed this year followed by a more extensive update in 2026 with broader public engagement.
TDOT and consultant staff presented an update to the state’s long‑range transportation policy plan — branded "Mobility in Motion" — at the Knoxville TPO executive board meeting Sept. 24, saying a policy‑level update will be completed by the end of the year and a more comprehensive statewide update is planned for 2026.
Why it matters: The statewide long‑range transportation plan guides TDOT investment priorities and informs regional planning and project programming by identifying goals, guiding principles and statewide strategies.
Presentation and schedule: Mary Conley, project manager for the TDOT consultant team, told the board TDOT is pursuing a multi‑phase approach: a policy update due by year‑end that will carry forward key vision and guiding principles from the 2016 plan (and the 2020 update) while updating planning assumptions with recent data, followed by a more robust, technically detailed and publicly engaged statewide update in 2026.
Guiding principles and topics: Conley summarized seven guiding principles to be carried forward in Mobility in Motion: preserve and manage the existing system; support the state’s economy; maximize safety and security; provide for efficient movement of people and freight; build partnerships for sustainable and livable communities; protect natural, cultural and environmental resources; and emphasize financial responsibility. She said the update will account for changes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the 2023 Transportation Modernization Act and TDOT’s internal project‑delivery changes.
Regional data and issues: The consultant presented regional findings such as concentrated growth in urban areas of East Tennessee and population declines in some rural Appalachian counties, a higher number of crashes (by count) in urban areas and more severe crashes in rural areas, and freight‑flow increases projected east of Knoxville toward the Tri‑Cities via I‑81. Conley said the policy plan will be released for public comment around November, with the full statewide update proceeding in 2026 and coordinated with MPOs and development districts.
Next steps: The consultant and TDOT staff said they will complete outreach to all MPOs and development districts by the end of the month and will coordinate public engagement and technical analysis for the 2026 update; the policy plan portion is expected to be ready for public comment in the November timeframe.
Ending: Board members asked procedural questions; staff said they will continue coordination with MPOs and return to the region with materials and engagement opportunities tied to the 2026 statewide update.
