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Home : Transportation
Transportation is how people and goods get where they are going. This can happen by car, truck, bus, foot, bicycle, railroad, or airplane. BRPC works on projects relating to all aspects of transportation. These projects generally involve planning, coordination, data gathering, and analysis (rather than actual construction or maintenance of roads, or operation of buses). Projects range from coordinating with federal agencies to providing local technical assistance. BRPC coordinates all requests for federal transportation planning and funding for the region in collaboration with the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, MassHighway, and the Executive Office of Transportation & Construction. The lead policy person from each of the four agencies cooperate together on transportation planning matters as the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). BRPC provides leadership in educating and involving the public. Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Restructuring The Berkshire MPO is responsible under federal law (23, USC, Chapter I, Sec. 134) for carrying out a continuing, comprehensive and coordinated (3C) metropolitan transportation planning process for the Berkshire Region. The MPO is required under federal regulations (23CFR450.301) to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MPO members and the state identifying the responsibilities for carrying out the 3C planning process. A new MOU expanding MPO membership to include representation of local elected officials from Berkshire County was signed by the four original MPO member agencies and the six new members on February 28, 2006 Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Meetings Transportation Services BRPC offers various transportation planning services to member communities to support consistency with the area's overall development policies; coordination among projects; and an effective, efficient transportation system. These services include: Other Transportation Planning Projects The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is updated each year. It is the prioritized multi year plan for transportation rehabilitation and construction projects in the Berkshires. The 2008 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a list, budget and description of all federally funded transportation planning work proposed to be performed between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008. The work is conducted mostly by BRPC staff and consultants working for BRPC under the auspices of the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Like the TIP, the UPWP is a "certification" document required under the federal law governing metropolitan transportation planning. The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is the guiding document for all federally funded transportation planning efforts in the Berkshires. The 2007 RTP has been completed and submitted to the state and federal government. A copy of the document is available as a .pdf file on the RTP page of our website, and hard copies are available at all town and city halls and major libraries. The Coordinated Plan identifies transportation needs of individuals with disabilities and the elderly, as well as promotes use of public transit, especially for assisted income and low income individuals. The Mass Turnpike Exit One Report, published July 2004, addresses the traffic impacts of making the Mass Pike West Stockbridge Exit 1 a full interchange. The present configuration of the interchange consists of an exit ramp from I-90 W and an entry ramp to I-90 E. The proposed modification is to add an exit ramp from I-90 E and an entry ramp to I-90 W, thus making Exit 1 a full interchange. The project is part of the 2004 Unified Planning Work Program Task 3.1. The draft Berkshire Biking & Walking Transportation Plan is available for review. The plan documents existing conditions of areas used for biking and walking and also includes recommendations for safe routes of travel. Corridor Access Management Guidelines are a range of techniques that link transportation and land use planning in order to improve safety, facilitate the flow of traffic, and preserve community character. The Corridor Access Management toolbox item was prepared to assist communities that are interested in using these techniques. The report, which includes an executive summary, toolbox items, and case study application is available through all Berkshire County planning boards or the BRPC Publications page. The Northern Berkshire Community Transit Study reports on the existing conditions, resources, and transportation needs of people without (or with limited) access to private vehicles in the northern Berkshire County. Transportation Information and Fact Sheets
If you have comments or questions about transportation issues in Berkshire County, please email Transportation at berkshireplanning. Home Site Map Publications Contact Job Opportunities at BRPC Directions to BRPC Municipal eCenter BRPC Archive |
