Vermont Western Corridor
Transportation Management Plan
from Bennington to the Border
About the Study
The Vermont Agency of Transportation, the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (project manager), and the five Regional Planning Commissions along western Vermont are partnering in an effort to develop a multimodal Transportation Management Plan (Plan) for Western Vermont. The five commissions are: Addison County Regional Planning Commission, Bennington County Regional Planning Commission, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, and Rutland Regional Planning Commission.
The multimodal Plan is being developed to determine the most effective ways to improve the infrastructure and operations and maximize the efficiencies of the transportation system in western Vermont over the next 20 years. Recommended strategies are expected to improve quality of life and promote economic vitality in the region.
The Western Corridor Transportation Management Plan will address highway and rail travel for passenger and freight as well as public transportation (rail and bus), air, bicycle and pedestrian modes.
The Plan is being funded by funds provided by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Thirty million dollars in federal funds have been earmarked for transportation improvements in the western corridor.
Study Mission
The mission of Vermont’s Western Corridor Transportation Management Plan is the creation of a unified long term vision for the highways and rail corridors in western Vermont and the development of balanced, environmentally responsible strategies that maximize system efficiencies, improve quality of life and promote economic vitality in the region.
Study Goals
- Maximize transportation system efficiencies and improve safety
- Improve freight movements in the Western Corridor
- Coordinate land use and transportation planning
- Enhance intra- and inter-regional connectivity
- Encourage collaboration among regions
- Use transportation investment to promote economic vitality
- Promote innovative, fiscally sound financing and investment solutions
- Minimize impacts to the human and natural environment
Public Input
There will be several opportunities for public input in the development of the Plan. Five Regional Planning Commissions and stakeholder groups will be involved in a Study Advisory Committee. Regional forums and focus groups will be held. This website has been set up for the public to access information and to provide comments on-line.
Schedule
The study was initiated August 2007 and the estimated completion date is June 2009. Please visit Study Schedule for more information.