Transportation Planning - MetroCOG

Transportation Planning - MetroCOG
Transportation
Transportation Planning
Transportation Planning
Transportation Planning
UPWP
Long Range Planning/MTP
Multi-Modal
Air Quality/Congestion Management Process
Safety
MAP Forum
Funding
Plan de Transporte Metropolitano (MTP) 2019-2045
Transportation Projects
MetroCOG, in collaboration with its municipal partners and regional stakeholders conducts on-going and comprehensive transportation planning activities. These activities fulfill federal, state and local requirements to ensure a safe, reliable and accessible transportation network. The planning process focuses on both near term improvements and long-term initiatives to capitalize on available federal, state and local funding sources.
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23 CFR 450.308
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Transportation Management Area
Planning Certification Review
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UPWP
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) includes all federally eligible transportation and transportation-related planning activities that will be carried out by the GBVMPO for two-year period by state fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Each two-year program is adopted by the GBVMPO Policy Board and approved by CTDOT and FHWA.
2026-2027 UPWP
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2024-2025 UPWP
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2022-2023 UPWP
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2020-2021 UPWP
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Long Range Planning
Long range planning is a collaborative and visionary process that guides investment in the transportation system. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan provides transportation and transit funding priorities over a twenty-year planning horizon. The MTP is updated every four years. CTDOT develops and maintains a 5-Year Capital Plan which represents their proposed program of highway and bridge, public transportation, and facility capital projects over that 5-year period.
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) identifies opportunities to improve mobility for all people and businesses throughout the Greater Bridgeport and Valley planning area. The MTP covers a minimum of 20 years and is updated every four years. Federal regulations define the development and content contained in the MTP.
MetroCOG’s MTP takes a comprehensive, system-wide approach to improving all modes of transportation, as well as potential impacts to and from the system for all residents of the Greater Bridgeport Region. Resiliency, sustainability, economic and quality of life considerations are addressed throughout the plan.
2023-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
After an extensive public engagement process, the GBVMPO approved the MTP for the Greater Bridgeport and Valley Planning Region on March 30
th
, 2023. The following goals which the plan is based on were developed through the over 500 responses to a survey available to the public from late August to the end of November 2022. Details on the public engagement process can be found in the Appendices section.
Goals for the GBVMPO Region
Promote Safety Across all Aspects of the Transportation System.
Bring all Regional Roads and Infrastructure to a State-of-Good-Repair
Increase the Efficiency and Reliability of all Transportation Modes.
Bolster Interconnected, Public Transportation across the Region and Strengthen Access to Economic Opportunity Centers.
Ensure Data-Driven Transportation Investments with Equitable Benefits to all Users
Provide Shared/Active Transportation Initiatives that Strengthen First- and Last-Mile Connections
Promote Resilience and Environmental Sustainability within the Transportation System.
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Final Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2023-2050
Approved March 30th, 2023
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Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2023-2050: Appendices
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MTP Resumen Ejecutivo
2023-2050
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MTP Executive Summary
2023-2025
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Metropolitan Transportation Plan
2023-2050 Survey Summary
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2019-2045 MTP
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Metropolitan Transportation Plan
2019-2045: Appendices
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2019-2045 MTP, Executive Summary
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Plan Metropolitano de Trasporte 2019-2045 – Resumen Ejecutivo
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2015-2040 Long Range Transportation Plan & Valley Appendix
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23 CFR 450.324
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Multi-Modal
The transportation network is used not only by persons in private vehicles but also by transit, bicyclists, pedestrians (of all abilities) and freight. Because of this diverse set of users, it is critically important that the network provides safe and efficient transportation options for all users and functions at an acceptable level of service.
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Non-motorized active transportation is a low-cost, healthy, and sustainable means of mobility. A multi-modal transportation system integrates safe, accessible, and efficient facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the road network, transit system, and as stand-alone infrastructure.
Complete Streets:
A complete street is designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, users that rely on mobility devices, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Elements of a complete street can include:
Bicycle facilities: bicycle routes and lanes, signage, bicycle racks, protective barriers and bollards, and appropriate pavement markings, signals, and symbols.
Bus features and amenities: bus pullouts, shelters, and clear and accessible paths.
Pedestrian enhancements: crosswalks, signal enhancements, curb ramps, curb extensions, and sidewalks.
Traffic calming actions: textured material, intersection bump-outs, curb extensions, center refuge islands, and raised intersection tables.
Streetscape environment: site appropriate trees, landscaping, bio-swales and rain gardens, permeable paving material, and buffers between the street and sidewalk.
ADA compliant features: curb ramps, detectable tactile cues and warnings, accessible pedestrian signals, and longer walk intervals.
On-street parking treatments: delineated parking spaces, parking protected bike lanes, and curb/sidewalk bump outs.
Access management: driveway consolidations, modifications, and closures.
Integrating a complete streets approach to the current transportation landscape requires changes in roadway planning and design to ensure safe and efficient access for all users. To that end, GBVMPO has adopted a Regional Complete Streets Policy on March 27
th
,  2025 that applies to transportation-related projects, plans, and processes that the GBVMPO and MetroCOG are responsible for reviewing.
GBVMPO Complete Streets Policy
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Trails + Greenways
Trails and greenways complement the roadway system by providing low–stress environments for bicycling and walking separated from vehicular traffic. Also known as “Shared–Use Paths,” these facilities can accommodate a diverse range of active transportation modes and users, while connecting people with the Greater Bridgeport region’s incredible natural diversity. An interactive map of trails and greenways in the MetroCOG region can be accessed on our Regional Trails Viewer.
Bus Transit
MetroCOG works closely with Greater Bridgeport Transit, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation to coordinate public transit investment in the region. GBT’s system is one of the most heavily used and efficient transit operations in the state.
GoGBT.com
Commuter Rail
The region is well-served by rail. Metro-North Railroad, a subsidiary of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, operates commuter trains on the electrified New Haven Main Line (NHL-ML). The NHL-ML is one of five commuter rail lines operated by Metro-North Railroad in the New York Metropolitan area. Combined, they are one of the busiest commuter railroads in North America.
There are 5 rail stations located in the region – 1 in Bridgeport (downtown), 3 in Fairfield (Fairfield Metro, downtown and Southport) and 1 in Stratford (Stratford Center). Long distance rail service is provided by Amtrak at Bridgeport’s Downtown station. The Bridgeport station also provides a connection to the Waterbury Branch Line (WBL).
Freight
Freight movement relies upon an interconnected network of trucks, trains, aircraft, ships, and barges. The movement of goods is a vital component of the national, regional, state and local economy and it relies upon a well-functioning freight network for seamless deliveries – from raw materials necessary for manufacturing and industry and critical supplies to fresh produce at the supermarket and online orders.
Connecticut Statewide Freight Plan
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GBVMPO 2026 Freight Profile
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Human Services
Ensuring that the elderly and persons with disabilities are able to navigate the region’s transportation systems is critical to an equitable and inclusive system.
MetroCOG works closely with Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT), neighboring COGs and transit districts, local human service transportation providers and other stakeholders on updating and maintaining the locally coordinated human service transportation plan (LOCHSTP) for the Bridgeport-Stamford urban area.
The LOCHSTP program coordinates various FTA human service transportation funding programs including those targeted at elderly persons and persons with disabilities and job access and reverse commute services.
This process helps to inform projects selected for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program. The Section 5310 Program provides capital and limited operating assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide specialized transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. MetroCOG assists with soliciting project applications, assisting member municipalities and working with the state in determining regional priorities.
The Kennedy Collective
Air Quality / Congestion Management Process
Vehicle exhaust fumes are a major contributor to the deterioration of air quality in urban areas. Traffic congestion not only contributes to poor air quality but causes delay to travelers and the movement of goods, as well as wasted fuel. By reducing traffic congestion and the associated emissions in the region air quality can be significantly improved.
Air Quality
The Greater Bridgeport Region is located in the Connecticut portion of the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island eight-hour Ozone Moderate Nonattainment and PM2.5 Attainment/Maintenance Area.
In areas that do not meet attainment standards for air quality, transportation projects, and therefore the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), must demonstrate that they will contribute to annual reductions in transportation-related emissions and not delay or prevent attainment of air quality standards.
“Conformity” is a requirement of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) Section 176(c) (42 U.S.C.7506(c)) and EPA conformity regulations (40 CFR 93 Subpart A). These regulations require that each MTP and TIP demonstrate conformity with the State Implementation Plan (SIP) before they are approved by the MPO or accepted by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The demonstration of conformity ensures that the MTP and TIPs are consistent with air quality goals and that progress is being made towards achieving and maintaining Federal air quality standards. An air quality emissions analysis is utilized to understand the emissions that result from an area’s transportation system, and to estimate the emissions that could result from projects in the MTP or TIPs. The determination must demonstrate that those emissions are within limits outlined in state air quality implementation plans, referred to as a “budget”.
Air Quality report for 2019-2045 MTP
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Ozone Air Quality report for 2018-2021 TIP
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Air Quality report for 2018-2021 TIP
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Air Quality report for 2021-2024 TIP
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Air Quality Report for 2022
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Air Quality report for 2023-2050 MTP
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Air Quality Approval Letter for 2025
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State Implementation Plan (SIP) Air Quality Planning
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93 CFR
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Congestion Management Process
Congestion is often perceived as the most critical factor when analyzing travel patterns along many of the roads in southwestern Connecticut. The Congestion Management Process (CMP) is a data driven approach for managing congestion that utilizes current data, including performance measures, to assess alternative strategies for congestion management.
The elements of the CMP are as follows:
Develop regional objectives for congestions management
Define CMP network
Develop multimodal performance measures
Collect data/calculate performance measures
Analyze congestion problems and needs
Develop Strategies
Program and Implement Strategies
Evaluate Strategy Effectiveness
24 CFR 450.322
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Statewide ITS Architecture
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2018 Congestion Mitigation Plan
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2023 Congestion Mitigation Plan
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2024 Monitoring Report
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2025 Monitoring Report
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MetroCOG Transportation Safety Program
Vision Zero
On August 25, 2022, the Metropolitan Council of Governments joined the Vision Zero movement by
committing to
eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries on our region’s roadways by 2050. MetroCOG’s six member municipalities resolved to adopt the FHWA’s
Safe System Approach
, a proactive method for identifying and addressing safety issues across the transportation system Safety is a  top priority as transportation  projects region are developed and designed.
According to the
Vision Zero Network
, “Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.”
The Safe System Approach has been embraced by the transportation community as an effective framework for addressing roadway safety. A core principle of this program is that the responsibility to address roadway safety is
shared
. “All stakeholders—including government at all levels, non-profit advocacy, researchers, and the general public—are all vital to preventing fatalities and injuries on our roadways.” A comprehensive safety strategy includes a coordinated effort to address engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response.
Connecticut Vision Zero Resources
Watch for Me CT
was established in 2017. This statewide campaign spearheaded by the
Connecticut Department of Transportation
and
Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center
aims to reduce transportation deaths and injuries through awareness, education, and enforcement.
The
Vision Zero Council of Connecticut
was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2021. The council is an interagency work group that is developing statewide policies to eliminate transportation-related deaths and serious injuries.
Safety Action Plan
On August 25, 2022, the Board of the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments endorsed the Region’s Safety Action Plan and made a commitment to achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries on our region’s roadways by 2050.
To get there, MetroCOG—its member municipalities and community partners—will work together to build a transportation system that prioritizes safety on our region’s streets. The Regional Safety Action Plan is the first step in realizing this commitment.
The plan’s priorities are:
Prevent severe crashes
Improve roads for all users
Invest equitably
Foster a culture of safety
Encourage active transport
Use high quality data
MetroCOG’s Regional Safety Action Plan
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MetroCOG’s Regional Safety Action Plan Annual Update 2023
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MetroCOG’s Regional Safety Action Plan Annual Update 2024
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Highway Safety
A Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) is a statewide data-driven traffic safety plan that coordinates the efforts of a wide range of organizations to reduce traffic accident fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. In coordination with federal, state, local and private sector safety stakeholders, the SHSP establishes goals, objectives, and emphasis areas. In 2017, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published the Connecticut SHSP to guide the State in reducing fatalities and serious injuries along Connecticut roadways. MetroCOG aims to incorporate the recommendations from CTDOT’s SHSP into the routine planning process. The Connecticut SHSP incorporates six (6) emphasis areas:
Critical Roadway locations
Driver Behavior
Young Drivers
Non-motorized Road Users
Motorcyclists Safety
Traffic Incident Management
Through CTDOT’s data driven approach these emphasis areas will drive safety efforts in the state which will evaluate the process and performance of SHSP strategies in meeting the plan’s goal of a 15 percent reduction in roadway fatalities and serious injuries throughout the state. After the plan’s end date, CTDOT will update the SHSP using the current guidance for FHWA.
Current 2017-2021 Connecticut Strategic Highway Safety Plan
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RTSP
The purpose of the Regional Transportation Safety Plan is to reduce crashes that result in serious or fatal injuries on roadways in the Greater Bridgeport Region. The plan focuses on state and local roads that are not limited access highways. The MetroCOG Regional Transportation Safety Plan (RTSP) in alignment with the SHSP, is a strategic road map to assist the region and the City of Bridgeport and Towns of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull to collaborate with the state in reducing these crashes. This plan will increase safety awareness and support regional and municipal efforts that focus on unique, local safety issues.
The plan uses a similar methodology as the SHSP but on a local and regional level, which reflects the needs of individual communities in the Greater Bridgeport Region. The plan was developed involving local stakeholders from the four E’s of transportation safety: engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency response. Each municipal report includes local crash data and incorporates stakeholder input to develop proactive goals and countermeasures that can potentially mitigate fatal and injury crashes. To inform this process, data from the UConn Crash Data Repository was analyzed, and municipal representatives were consulted to identify priority locations to reduce severe crashes.
This plan will better position the region to compete for safety funds based on regional and local data. CTDOT’s Local Road Accident Reduction Program funds improvements to the local roadway system that are expected to eliminate or reduce the severity of a hazardous location, or address lane departure accidents. Locations and countermeasures are identified through a data-driven process, typically based on the severity and frequency of crashes. This plan will identify these locations and recommend countermeasures for future Local Road Accident Reduction Program funding announcements.
Metropolitan Regional Transportation Safety Plan
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MetroCOG Crash Dashboard*
On the map below
, tabs one and two depict Connecticut Crash Data repository showing where fatal and
serious injury
crashes and pedestrian and cyclist crashes have occurred in our region. The third tab depicts our regional High Injury Network
emphasi
zing
the roadways in the region where the most serious
crashes occur
and Crash Hot Spot
(areas where the top 5% of serious crashes were found to occur)
analysis
Source: CT DOT, the Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC), and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Transportation Safety Research Center, The Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR), “Vehicle Crash Data Repository – CT CRASH,” Metadata created November 12, 2020,
MAP Forum
In 2008, the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) became part of a consortium of eight Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) when the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with surrounding MPOs across four states along the east coast. Those states include Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This MOU is a signed agreement for coordination of planning activities in the multistate metropolitan region. MetroCOG conducts the transportation planning activities for the Greater Bridgeport and Valley MPO (GBVMPO) which consists of 10 municipalities.
The member organizations of the MAP Forum are:
New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC)
Orange County Transportation Council (OCTC)
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA)
Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG)
Connecticut Metro Council of Governments (METROCOG)
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG)
South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG)
Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC)
The MAP Forum provides organizational and strategic guidance to member MPOs in planning for and understanding the impact of megaregional and boundary transportation projects. Due to the size, complexities and interdependence of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut-Pennsylvania region, a major transportation investment in one specific area can and will have implications throughout the megaregion. The MAP Forum regularly holds Spring and Fall meetings with agendas focused on multi-state initiatives that are relevant to and may impact the megaregion. The consortium also established and collaborated on the Multi-State Freight Working Group to provide perspective on the movement of goods and services across MPOs. It also coordinates in setting performance measures and targets and holds collaborative sessions for best practices within the micro-mobility and shared-mobility industry and its impacts to municipalities. The MAP Forum is also working to establish a content management platform through ESRI’s ArcGIS Hub to allow for data sharing across the MAP Forum, with members able to host MPO specific content for forum members and the public.