Transportation Planning

McLean County Regional Planning Commission has a distinct planning role as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Bloomington-Normal urbanized area. The MPO role applies to transportation planning, how transportation and land use influence one another, and local and state cooperation to advance planning solutions for transportation concerns. The Long Range Metropolitan Transportation Program (LRTP) goals and objectives establish the foundation for this planning work.

We provide a forum for collaboration between governments, agencies, transportation providers, and the public regarding transportation issues and planning for future transportation needs. Each year MCRPC creates a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) of all transportation projects scheduled over the next five years, as well as updates to other transportation-related plans and reports as needed.

Strictly speaking, MCRPC’s MPO responsibilities apply only to transportation projects funded (all or in part) with federal transportation program dollars.  We go a step further, and include all local transportation projects in the Transportation Improvement Program as well.  This approach provides a complete view of how local projects are funded, the amount invested by local, state and federal governments, and the total investment needed to support a structurally and fiscally sustainable transportation system.

Key Planning Factors

• Land use
• Development density
• Street layout and design
• Quality of public realm including availability of sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, lighting, and public art
• Crime and safety
• Housing
• Availability of public transportation
• Location of key destinations such as employment centers, schools, parks, and hospitals