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TPO highlights $1M special studies program and new local feasibility work, including streetscape and greenway studies
Summary
The TAC heard staff presentations on the special studies set‑aside (about $1,000,000 annually) that funds feasibility and corridor work. Timeline: proposals Oct 1'Nov 30, selections Jan 2027, local match letters due Feb 2027; presentations reviewed Northwest Boulevard streetscape, Worcester route/TOD and greenway feasibility (Long Branch and Salem Creek).
TPO staff on July 16 showcased the special studies program, a roughly $1,000,000 annual set‑aside in the Unified Planning Work Program that funds feasibility studies, corridor plans, safety studies and other advance planning to create a pipeline of shovel‑ready projects.
Hunter summarized the program and timeline: member jurisdictions may submit proposals from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30; selected studies will be announced in January 2027; local match commitment letters are due in February 2027; implementation could begin as early as July 1, 2027 following interlocal agreements and procurement. The program requires a 20% local match and supports consultant procurement, data buys and pilot projects.
Staff presentations and details - Ridwana Allen presented the Northwest Boulevard Streetscape feasibility study (University Parkway to North Liberty Street). The consultant team presented two concepts (short‑term and long‑term) with cost estimates; Ridwana said a signs and striping plan will complement short‑term work and that the full report and concepts will be posted to the project website.
- Maddie summarized the Worcester route and transit‑oriented development (TOD) work done with HDR and described service changes under the WISTA vision coming Aug. 30, including increased frequency, two new routes (WISTA X North and WISTA X West) prioritizing job access and new microtransit zones in the Northwest and Southeast.
- Liam Bowman described two greenway feasibility studies: Long Branch Trail connector to Wake Forest University (four corridors identified, two to be recommended; completion targeted April 2027), and a Salem Creek Greenway reroute out of the floodway with a pedestrian bridge. Liam said the implementation cost estimate for the Salem Creek alternative rose from an earlier $1,000,000 budget to about $4,500,000 after preliminary analysis, giving staff a clearer view of funding needs.
Staff encouraged jurisdictions to view TPO staff as resources for interlocal agreements and technical support.
What happens next: jurisdictions interested in studies should prepare proposals for the Oct. 1'Nov. 30 call; selected studies will be presented to TAC in March 2027 for adoption into the annual work program.
