Transportation Planning Process

Every two years, PennDOT-in cooperation with other planning partners-prepares and submits to the State Transportation Commission a multimodal, fiscally constrained Twelve-Year Transportation Program that details transportation improvements to be undertaken during the next 12 years, along with anticipated schedules and costs. Projects are identified by diverse stakeholders, then prioritized by MPOs, rural planning organizations or county planning agencies in conjunction with PennDOT. Other modal organizations are provided the opportunity for representation on the MPO/rural planning organization coordinating and technical committees. The program is approved by the State Transportation Commission.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The State Transportation Commission includes legislative leaders. Legislators generally can provide testimony for specific projects during the update of the Twelve-Year Transportation Program. On occasion, legislators also are appointed to MPO and rural planning organization boards.