Minnesota adopts multimodal plan

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently adopted the 2022-2041 Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan (SMTP).

The policy plan, which is updated every five years, outlines objectives, performance measures, strategies, and actions to help advance a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the environment, the economy, and the health of residents. It also evaluates the state’s entire transportation system, considers how trends will affect transportation, and provides guidance for 20 years.

The updated plan focuses on climate action, critical connections, healthy, equitable communities, open decision-making, system stewardship, and transportation safety.

“Everyone deserves transportation options that work for them and their needs,” MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said. “The SMTP is a cornerstone to the important work that MnDOT and our transportation partners need to do in the near- and long-term to ensure our investments continue to deliver on our commitments to safety, economic vitality, and livability. We look forward to working with partners statewide to implement the goals laid out in this updated plan.”

The plan also includes new opportunities and emphasis areas, including climate, equity, and health.

Goals to reach by 2040 include decreasing the transportation sector’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent and increasing the percentage of Minnesotans who walk or bicycle at least weekly to 60 percent.