On Tuesday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) released the state’s long-range transportation for the next 20+ years.
The 2022-2045 Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan (LRSTP) will provide a guide for future transportation investments, KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said, by identifying the goals, policies, needs, and analysis tools for multi-modal transportation systems in the state through 2045. Additionally, the LRSTP includes an implementation plan that outlines actions to be taken in the short term to move toward the defined vision, goals and objectives, and performance measures outlined in the document.
“Long-range planning is a critical part of ensuring our infrastructure and policies meet the needs of the public well into the future,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “We appreciate those who took the time to provide feedback on transportation priorities for Kentucky that were incorporated into this important policy document.”
KYTC said the LRSTP was developed in conjunction with state transportation officials, local planning agencies, and the public. Officials said efforts were made to engage the public in developing the document during two interactive public comment periods. In the fall of 2021, more than 8,000 participants across the state provided input on transportation priorities and usage over a 45-day period.
Another 30-day public comment period in the fall of 2022 focused on public feedback concerning multi-modal transportation, safety, roadway improvements, and traffic flow management, officials said. Approximately 600 people participated in that public interaction period, providing more than 300 comments.
Officials said that comments during both public comment periods were considered when drafting the final plan. The plan comes in response to federal law requiring the state to update it every seven years to ensure it is current and can meet the state’s transportation needs. The current update is the first since 2014, officials said.