Title
2050 MTP Amendment #1 and AQ CDR (15 minutes)
Andy Henry, LPA staff
Narrative
2050 MTP - Amendment #1
At their June 27 meeting, the DCHC MPO Board released Amendment #1 to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for a public comment period from June 27 through August 7, 2023. The DCHC MPO Public Involvement Policy requires this minimum public input period of 42 days for a major MTP amendment. It was noted that the MTP identifies the future highway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and other transportation projects and that projects cannot be funded in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) unless they are included in the MTP. The DCHC MPO will adopt the FY 2024-2033 TIP on August 9, 2023, and thus the following projects require amendment in the 2050 MTP to allow these projects to go forward in the TIP:
· I-40 auxiliary lanes - Add this project to the 2050 MTP. A single auxiliary lane, approximately 0.75 mile in length, will be constructed from the end of the I-885/I-40 westbound ramp to the NC 55 exit ramp. This auxiliary lane will be on only one side of the roadway and the 12-foot shoulder is capable of accommodating Bus on Shoulder System (BOSS) operations. This widening is in the FY2024-2033 STIP but not in the 2050 MTP for a few different reasons. The MPO included very few road widening projects in the 2050 MTP to support goals related to the natural environment and climate change. Also, staff consider this improvement as an operational improvement because of the limited extent and the intent to more effectively use the existing travel lanes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) considers a lane addition of 1 mile or less an operational improvement, as well. Operational improvements are not specifically defined and listed in the Transportation System Management section of the MTP. The estimated cost is from the STIP.
· NC 55 Southbound Lane - Add this project to the 2050 MTP and include bicycle, pedestrian and...
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