I‑89 2050 Study: CCRPC seeks input on metrics and telecommuting data as final report nears

Eleni Churchill, transportation program manager for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, updated the committee on the I‑89 2050 Study, which is in the second round of interchange evaluations. Churchill said staff are seeking input on proposed metrics and scoring and will hold several focus groups to solicit input from underrepresented populations.

Dennis Lutz questioned whether the proposed 0–4 scoring scale provided sufficient flexibility; he said he typically uses a 0–10 range. Jonathon Weber asked whether the study is considering non-capacity solutions; Churchill said non-capacity and non-auto solutions are part of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and are included in this project’s consideration. Members also pressed staff on data collection: Churchill said CCRPC collects telecommute and traffic data, and partners reported additional survey activity — Sandy Thibault said CATMA will conduct a comprehensive survey in the fall and a microsurvey of member institutions; Jason Charest noted UVM TRC applied for funding for survey work; Chris Dubin said traffic counts will ramp up in 2021 to enable comparison to pre-COVID conditions.

Churchill said a final report is expected in winter 2022. Members discussed potential project elements such as a bike/ped crossing at Exit 14 and whether an eastbound I‑189 removal could create a shared-use path; Churchill said those outcomes depend on which alternatives are advanced and on local funding decisions.

The discussion focused on refining evaluation metrics and ensuring robust data collection to reflect post-pandemic travel patterns and underrepresented voices in the study process.