The Colorado Department of Transportation’s blueprint for improving the state’s transportation system over the next 10 to 25 years now is available for public review and comment.
Known as the Statewide Transportation Plan, it includes the goals and objectives to enhance safety, mobility, maintenance and economic vitality. It also presents:
· Public and stakeholder input
· Identifies Colorado’s multi-modal transportation system
· Transportation needs, revenue and funding gaps
· Overall investment strategies
· Top strategic actions to meet the plan’s goals
“The plan is a fully integrated document, not only about improving the highway system but also about combining strategies to enhance transit, rail, aviation, freight, bicycling and pedestrian travel,” said CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt. “It identifies the required strategic steps to achieve our goals and the priority corridors we need to focus on over the next decade.”
Interested parties are encouraged to view and provide comment on the overall SWP, on Colorado’s first Statewide Transit Plan and the 10 rural Regional Transportation Plans at www.coloradotransportationmatters.com through January 4, 2015. The site is divided regionally, allowing citizens to view interactive maps and transportation plans for their area.
“Public participation was crucial while we were developing these plans and is just as vital now during the comment period so they reflect the priorities and needs of our citizens,” added Hunt. “As we implement the plans, we’ll continue to engage the public on our progress so that we can all work together to deliver the transportation system Colorado deserves.”
More than 60,000 citizens participated in crafting the SWP, the STP, and all ten RTPs.
“Our transportation system is a key element of a vibrant and globalized state economy, and transportation investments will create and enhance access to jobs, enhance freight movement, support increased trade, and improve economic competitiveness,” said Colorado Transportation Commission Chairman Ed Peterson. “With limited funding available, CDOT has developed a vision for the Statewide Transportation Plan that guides investment for Colorado’s multimodal transportation system.”
Implementation of the SWP, STP and RTPs is the first step in planning future projects.