Transportation
Welcome to the WestCOG transportation page. Here you will find links to important resources relating to the WestCOG transportation program:
Current Notices
MPOs
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are federally mandated and funded transportation policy-making organizations designated by the governor. MPOs serve as forums for cooperative transportation decision-making in urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 or more. WestCOG currently serves as staff to two MPOs:
Foundational Plans & Programs
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
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 Plan (LRTP)
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 (UPWP)
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.
Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP)
LOTCIP provides State funds to municipal governments for transportation improvements. Funding for LOTCIP is managed by WestCOG and distributed to our member municipalities for individual transportation projects.
Title VI and Public Participation Plan
Opportunities for public involvement are a cornerstone of the transportation planning process.
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.
Transportation Studies
This page contains information on transportation studies that WestCOG is involved in. These studies focus on topics or geographic areas that are important to the region. Study recommendations are placed into the long range transportation plans.
Other Transportation Resources
Transportation resources from the state of Connecticut and federal transportation agencies.