The executive board of the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments passed an update to its long-term transportation plan June 13.
The 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan has more than 250 projects, including pedestrian, bike, road and transit improvements.
OKI Deputy Executive Director Bob Koehler says the plan is a comprehensive blueprint projecting the region’s transportation needs until 2050.
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"People want to know where the roadways are going to be; where the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit routes)... In this case in our region is a new element that's under development," he says.
One big part of the plan? Getting ready for self-driving vehicles. OKI Manager of Transportation Programing Andy Reser says the technology will make up a significant portion of local traffic in the coming years.
"We're forecasting about 31 percent of future vehicles will be connected and autonomous," he says.
The plan also recommends creating about $472 million worth of new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; $626 million in public transit initiatives; more than $1 billion for infrastructure related to freight; and more than $6 billion in roadway projects.
Koehler says the plan is a federal requirement, in exchange for receiving Department of Transportation grants. The projects have an estimated cost of $8.5 billion.
