Transportation Planning Process

Projects are identified in three ways: through the regional MPO process; by the General Court in a transportation bond bill; or by MassDOT based on its selection criteria, to advance through its statewide capital program. MassDOT works with MPOs to determine investment plans and priorities. Approximately every three years, a transportation bond bill is created to fund transportation priorities over several years, and some projects are added to this bill by the General Court. Projects are selected, prioritized and approved by MassDOT through its selection process, and final approval of all projects rests with MassDOT.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The General Court can identify a project through a transportation bond bill or by working with a local community to advance a project on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The General Court does not approve MassDOT's capital program.