Transportation is an Important Part of Our Regions's Growth & Continued Quality of Life
Our transportation system, with its vast network of roads, bus routes, rail lines, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, is the backbone of our region. Coordinated planning of that system is critical to the continued growth of our local and regional economies. Planning also is important to ensure that as the system grows to manage the traffic congestion that we know is coming as a result of our economic growth and development, and that it grows in a way that is sensitive to our region's valuable natural and community resources.
The Nashville Area MPO is the federally-designated transportation planning agency responsible for identifying future transportation needs and then developing and evaluating proposed solutions to maximize the effectiveness of system investments throughout Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson and parts of Maury and Robertson counties.
Through the Nashville Area MPO, local partners develop and manage the region's 25-year long range transportation plan and 4-year transportation improvement program to prioritize transportation needs for federal and state funding.
Major Efforts
U.S. HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Application
On June 24, 2010 the US Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD), acting on behalf of a partnership with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT), with the authorization of the United States Congress, made available to regions across America an opportunity to share in up to $100 million in federal grant funding to assist in promoting the development of sustainable communities. See how Middle Tennessee is participating.
2035 Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Nashville Area
The MPO recently kicked-off a major update to the transportation plan for the greater Nashville area. This comprehensive plan addressing all modes of surface transportation is scheduled for completion in Summer 2010. Want to see what's in the current plan or have ideas about how to build your future?
FY 2011 to FY 2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The TIP is the short-range work program used by the MPO to fund projects in the current regional transportation plan. The MPO adopted the region's current 4-year program back in August 2007, providing over 1 billion dollars in investments in roadways, transit, sidewalks, greenways, ITS, and air quality outreach programs between 2008 to 2011.
Annual Unified Planning Work Program
Every year the MPO seeks input from state agencies, local governments, citizens, businesses, and other interested parties to develop its annual planning work program. Have an idea for a study? Like to see research on a particular topic related to transportation? Read our current planning work program.
Current Studies
- Broadway | West End Corridor Study
Evaluating Streecar, Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit optionsbetween Downtown and Nashville's "West End"
- Northeast Corridor Mobility Study
Evaluating Light Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, and Commuter Rail options between Gallatin and Nashville
- Tri-County Transportation & Land Use Study
Coordinating land use and transportation plans and policies in Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson counties
- Southwest Area Transportation & Land Use Study
Planning for the doubling of population in Williamson County by the year 2035
- Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Study
Helping local communities become more walkable and bike-friendly
- Regional Freight & Goods Movement Studies
Planning infrastructure to accommodate tons and tons of freight while minimizing the impact to quality of life
- Regional Transit Needs Assessment
What's our overall vision for mass transit in Middle Tennessee?
- Regional Architecture for Intelligent Transportation Systems
Using information and technology to improve our transportation system
- Regional Urban Design Initiates
Recently Completed Studies
- MTA Master Plan (2009)
A set of guiding principles and policies for improving public transportation in Nashville/Davidson County
- Southeast Corridor Transit Alternatives
(2007)
Evaluation of mass transit options between Murfreesboro and Nashville
- Regional Transportation Funding
(2003)
A Strategic Review - An analysis of potential local revenue sources for transportation projects
The Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program will support metropolitan and multi-jurisdictional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments.
