Atlanta Regional Commission Board Approves Major Update to Metropolitan Transportation Plan

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Board today approved a significant change to the Atlanta Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) which paves the way to invest $168 billion in federal, state, and regional funding through 2050 to enhance transportation and increase safety across the 20-county area. The MTP aims to follow the significant growth predicted to happen in the coming three decades.

Significant Population Increase Expected

The ARC predicts an addition of approximately 1.8 million people by 2050, which will bring the metro area’s population to a total of 7.9 million. In response to this, the long-range plan will incorporate investments to enhance roads and highways, amplify transit options, expand the bike-ped trails in the region, and encourage alternative commuting options such as teleworking and carpooling.

Construction and Sustenance of Transit Services

A significant amount of $10 billion is allocated for transit expansion which is crucial for the continually expanding and densifying Atlanta region. Projects such as the Campbellton Road bus rapid transit and the Atlanta Streetcar East Extension have been planned in this regard for the coming decade.

Major Thoroughfares and Interchanges, A Boost for Safety and Mobility

Considering the importance of interstate highways and major arterial roads in moving people, goods, and emergency vehicles, the MTP provides about $13.8 billion for key interchange and highway improvements throughout metro Atlanta. Managed express lanes, Interchange reconstruction, and New interchange at important junctures are expected to be part of the construction projects in the coming decade. Additionally, the plan invests $8.1 billion to add nearly 600 lane-miles of capacity to the region’s arterial network by 2050.

Maintaining and Modernizing Current Infrastructure

A significant portion of funding, estimated at $105.5 billion, has been allocated to maintain, modernize, and operate the current transportation infrastructure. The projects will include resurfacing roads, replacing aging buses and rail cars, and repairing bridges.

Expansion of Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Network

An essential part of the MTP is the development of pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environments, which align with the region’s broader goals of enhancing livability, addressing climate change, bolstering safety, alleviating traffic congestion and achieving healthy air quality. The plan provides $3.9 billion for bike-ped projects such as the Southwest and northeastern portions of the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH 400 multi-use trail.

Mobility Alternatives

The MTP dedicates approximately $5.8 billion to programs that aim to reduce congestion by encouraging alternative ways of commuting. This includes fiscal support for initiatives such as the Georgia Commute Options program.

The final step in the MTP approval process is to receive a conformity determination from USDOT.