Transportation Planning

Northwest Regional Planning Commission is involved in transportation planning as part of Vermont’s Transportation Planning Initiative (TPI). This is a statewide initiative that is designed to include all segments of the public in planning the improvements to Vermont’s transportation system. The goal of TPI is to expand local decision making and planning of transportation priorities, projects and long range plans. This process, started in 1992, is funded jointly by the Federal Highways Administration as part of the Highway Planning and Research Program, the State of Vermont and Vermont’s Regional Planning Commissions.
 
NRPC has a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) which oversees the transportation planning program. The TAC also acts as a liaison between local communities and the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and provides local and regional input regarding transportation issues important to the region. The TAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners.
 
NRPC staff worked closely with the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and advised the Vermont Agency of Transportation regarding regional transportation needs. The TAC continues to have solid involvement from municipal and modal representatives. Significant projects completed in FY 08 include the Route 7 Corridor Study, which looked at existing and potential development in the growth areas of St. Albans City and Town and Swanton and developed multi-modal alternatives to accommodate that development. The overall goal is to have a comprehensive approach to transportation improvements as development occurs. NRPC participated in public transit activities, coordinated the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail and participated in planning for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. A study of Lamkin Street in Highgate was completed to identify transportation needs to accommodate additional residential growth and address safety concerns.
 
Based on accident data and local input, the NRPC nominated five area roads to participate in the 2008 High Risk Rural Roads Program. This program allocates federal funds to mitigate safety issues on rural roads using low-cost techniques such as improved safety signage. The roads were Woods Hill Road and East Sheldon Road in Sheldon, Bushey Road in Swanton, Plains Road in Georgia and Brigham Road in St. Albans Town. Overall, the program will pay for over 150 new safety signs and other minor improvements to these roads.
 
The NRPC completed 16 traffic counts on local roads during the 2007/2008 field seasons and five manual bike and pedestrian counts. The data collected was used to support the Safe Routes to School Program and other municipal initiatives. NRPC also conducted a two week-long count on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail using an infrared automatic counter. Based on an annual count of the two state park-and-ride facilities in region, located in St. Albans and Georgia, the use of these park-and-ride facilities is increasing. In FY 09, the NRPC will explore the need and specific locations for additional facilities in the region.
 
For more information on transportation planning, please contact Bethany Remmers, 802-524-5958, bethany@nrpcvt.com.