Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
Long-Range Plan Overview
Every five years, each state and metropolitan planning area is federally (23 CFR 450.322)required to update its long-range transportation plans. The MTP represents the transportation goals and objectives of the MS Gulf Coast region. It is a staged improvement program developed in accordance with all applicable federal laws and metropolitan planning regulations. The plan balances and seeks to maximize general welfare and quality of life by promoting a transportation system that is safe, secure, efficient, economically feasible and in harmony with the character of our area. Planning staff work to ensure that no undue burden is experienced by any particular group throughout the planning process and implementation of objectives.
GOAL 1: Strategically enhance corridors
Maximize transportation system efficiency by promoting alternatives to adding general-purpose traffic lanes
Reduce roadway congestion
Improve the mobility of freight trucks
Enhance mobility by improving the connectivity of the existing transportation network
Improve the form and function of transportation corridors in order to contribute to the “sense of place”
Improve economic vitality of the region with transportation decisions
GOAL 3: Increase safe transportation
Make all Mississippi Gulf Coast urban area roadways suitable for bicycles, pedestrians and transit
Improve safety at intersections
Promote safety through public education, enforcement and engineering
Reduce lane departure accidents
GOAL 2: Improve and expand transportation choices
Make public transportation a choice mode of transportation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Improve marketing and promotion of transportation options to increase awareness on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Promote rail transportation opportunities
GOAL 4: Manage the relationship between transportation, community and environment
Promote land use patterns and development policies that support transportation mobility
Consider climate variability when making transportation project decisions
Coordinate transportation decisions to preserve existing communities
Provide public involvement processes to engage the general public, minority and low-income populations in transportation decision making
Promote the development of a transportation system and programs that maintain or improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases, ozone, particulate matter and other pollutants
Top Five Transportation Priorities
Information gathered from a poll in November and December of 2014 is similar to the feedback received online and during meetings. The polling method allowed us to hear from a representative sample of Mississippi’s general population and to identify and reach under-represented and hard-to-reach populations. The survey was fielded in both English and Spanish for those 18 and up. Both urban and rural residents were surveyed. Data gathered was weighted based on a census representaton of the entire state.
As we heard during the meeting and online., those surveyed in the statewide poll also feel that maintaining our transportation system should be our top priority.
Improving safety and road connectivity, reducing congestion, and providing more public transit options all ranked near the top.
