Challenge
After working on the Billings Urban Area 2014 and 2018 long range transportation plans (LRTPs), Kittelson was brought on to lead the development of the area’s 2023 LRTP. LRTPs encompasses a broad range of transportation, land use, and demographic topics to forecast what the urban area could look and feel like on a 20+ year planning horizon. The challenge is to address current, pressing needs and deficiencies while adhering to an overarching vision towards creating a more livable community.
Solution
Building from the 2014 and 2018 LRTPs, the 2023 LRTP continues to push forward the Billings communities’ priorities for a safer, more efficient multimodal transportation system. Our team crafted a project list and a prioritization methodology that encompassed community and stakeholder priorities to ensure that the most important and beneficial projects rise to the top and receive funding in the next 5-10 years.
The Outcome
Building Transportation Planning Momentum in Montana
The LRTP was adopted in July 2023. It will be used to update the MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program, which outlines funding slated for projects in the next five years, and Unified Public Works Program, which identifies what will be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.
