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TDOT launches update to statewide long-range policy plan, 'Mobility in Motion,' with MPO outreach
Summary
TDOT and consultant Gresham Smith introduced an initial policy-level update to the statewide long-range plan (Mobility in Motion) covering through 2055 and announced MPO one-on-one sessions and a larger public update in 2026.
TDOT and consultant Gresham Smith briefed the TPO technical committee on Sept. 9 about a statewide update to the department’s long-range transportation policy plan, branded as Mobility in Motion and extending the planning horizon to 2055.
Mary Connolly, transportation planner with Gresham Smith and the project manager for the TDOT effort, said the department’s last comprehensive plan was published in 2016 and that this update will be conducted in two phases: a policy-level update in late 2025 and a more comprehensive, public-facing technical update in 2026. The policy plan will retain and review high-level guiding principles (preserve and manage system, support the economy, maximize safety, move people and freight efficiently, build partnerships, protect environmental and cultural resources, and emphasize financial responsibility) and will coordinate with MPOs, development districts and RPOs to reflect regional priorities.
Connolly described technical inputs staff will use, including population and employment forecasts (noting high growth in Knox County and nearby locales), safety and crash patterns (with attention to Sevier and Blount counties), and freight-commodity flows focused on Memphis and the Knoxville-to-Tri-Cities freight corridor. She said TDOT plans MPO one-on-one sessions to gather regional needs and best practices and that the phase-1 policy update will be completed with a public comment period in late 2025; the larger plan update and outreach are planned for 2026.
Troy Everett (TDOT) introduced the effort and said the statewide plan complements MPO planning work and the 10-year project plan and that departmental reorganization and federal funding changes (e.g., Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) make this update timely.
Why it matters: The statewide policy plan guides TDOT investment priorities and helps align state-scale goals with MPO-level plans and local project development. The plan’s outputs can influence how TDOT prioritizes projects in the 10-year plan and how it coordinates funding and technical assistance with MPOs.
Next steps: MPO one-on-one sessions are scheduled, a draft policy update will be released for comment this fall, and a fuller technical update with expanded public engagement is planned in 2026.
