Congestion Management Process

Per Federal regulation §450.322, the transportation planning process must address congestion management in all Transportation Management Areas (TMA). SWRMPO meets the criteria of a TMA with a population over 200,000.  Since the formation of WestCOG, which now hosts both SWRMPO and HVMPO, highly congested roadways on the national highway system in the HVMPO have also been monitored and reported on.

Specifically, the Congestion Management Process (CMP) includes the following steps:

1. Determine the highway and transit CMP network;
2. Define congestion, including parameters to be measured and associated thresholds;
3. Identify congested links, including review of CTDOT’s Annual Congestion Management System (CMS) report;
4. Develop strategies to address congested links;
5. Implement short- and long-term strategies;
6. Monitor the network, including improvements.

A detailed version of the 2014 Congestion Management Process report can be found here.

The three major arterial roadways in the region are Interstate 95, Interstate 84 and the Merritt Parkway (Route 15). Updated briefings for each specific corridor were created in 2016 and can be accessed here:

• Interstate 95
• Interstate 84
• Route 15

Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP)

LOTCIP provides state funding for a variety of municipal transportation capital improvements, including: bridge rehabilitation and replacement; road reconstruction; intersection improvements; traffic signals; streetscapes; sidewalks; multi-use trails; and pedestrian bridges.  Projects must be located on roads classified as collector or arterial, however bridge projects with spans over 20 feet and transportation alternatives projects (typically bicycle and pedestrian improvements, such as multi-use trails) are exceptions.

The WestCOG region received at total of $41.2 million under this program in FY 2014-17, and $44.2 million is proposed for FY 2018-21.  A total of 25 Projects have been allocated funding in the WestCOG region under this program to date.

Current project allocations in the Housatonic Valley Region

Current project allocations in the South West Region

More information concerning the LOTCIP program is available on the CT DOT web page.

Foundational Plans & Programs

Transportation Improvement Programs

The TIP is a financially-constrained list of all highway and public transit projects proposed to be undertaken utilizing federal funding, requiring federal approval, or of regional significance over a four year period in each MPO region.

Long Range Transportation Plans

Two long range regional transportation plans, one for the SWRMPO area and one for the HVMPO area, make recommendations for improvements to transportation facilities and services. Updated every five years, the LRTP seeks to lay out investments and strategies to improve mobility in the region. The Transportation Improvement Programs above select projects from these plans to be funded.

Unified Planning Work Program

A Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a required document outlining transportation planning activities performed in accordance with United States Code (23 CFR Part 450.308). The work program serves as a guide to develop and advance the implementation of plans, programs, and projects that seek to address the eight planning factors identified in §450.306(a)). Such factors include, but are not limited to: preserving and improving the transportation system, enhancing mobility and connectivity, supporting economic vitality, safety and security, as well as environmental considerations.

Public Involvement

Opportunities for public involvement are a cornerstone of the transportation planning process.