Greater Egypt planning area: long range transportation plan
OVERVIEW
Successful rural transportation planning improves the way people and goods move throughout the region and ensures that the quality of life and economy in Greater Egypt is preserved and improved for future generations. The Greater Egypt Long Range Transportation Plan will support our region as we strengthen our assets and address our needs in a balanced and sustainable way. The plan will serve as a tool to help our communities secure state and federal funding while also guiding local leaders to determine where and how to invest the limited resources over a long time. The Greater Egypt Long Range Transportation Plan will be unique, as it will be the first Rural Long Range Transportation Plan in the State of Illinois and will set the precedent for rural transportation planning and coordination.
Good rural transportation plans consider a wide range of investment, operational and technology options that can meet the variety of needs of transportation system users. Most importantly, effective rural transportation planning provides residents, business owners, users, and stakeholders with lots of opportunities to participate in the planning process. The goal is to ensure the plan reflects the needs, wants, vision, and goals of the people that will be impacted by decision makers.
The Greater Egypt Long Range Transportation Plan will include the following elements:
Area Demographics
Existing Transportation Infrastructure
Safety Overview
Public Transportation
Freight
Values, Objectives, and Performance Measure
Future Transportation Needs
Public Involvement
Visit www.GreaterEgyptTransportationPlan.org to stay up to date about the plan. The website will include updates about the process, schedule, and materials to download as they become available. You can also contact:
Michael Ziarnek, AICP, MURP
Director of Transportation Planning | Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization (SIMPO)
618-997-9351
Dustin Riechmann, PE, PTOE
Project Manager | Lochmueller Group
618-667-1411
Map of Planning Area
The Greater Egypt Long Range Transportation Plan includes Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson Counties. The planning area excludes the Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization area which includes the Route 13 corridor communities of Murphysboro, Carbondale, Carterville, Herrin, and Marion.
COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING THE long range transportation plan
Q. What is a Long Range Transportation Plan?
A Long Range Transportation Plan is a long-term assessment of the region’s transportation assets and a framework for expanding and maintaining those assets through the year 2045. The plan will include sections on area demographics; existing transportation infrastructure; safety; public transportation; freight; values, objectives and performance measures; future needs; and public involvement.
Q. What geographic area will the Long Range Transportation Plan include?
The plan will include Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson Counties. The planning area excludes the Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization area, which includes the Route 13 urbanized area from Murphysboro to Marion.
Q. Why is a Long Range Transportation Plan needed?
The plan will serve as a tool to help our communities secure state and federal funding while also guiding local leaders to determine where and how to invest the limited resources over a long time.
Q. Are there other examples of rural long range transportation plans in Illinois?
While there are many examples of long range plans for urbanized areas (visit www.greateregypt.org/SIMPO for examples of long range transportation plans for the Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization area that includes the urbanized corridor of Route 13 from Murphysboro to Marion), the Greater Egypt Long Range Transportation Plan will be unique, as it will be the first Rural Long Range Transportation Plan in the State of Illinois and will set the precedent for rural transportation planning and coordination.
Q. Who is leading the Long Range Transportation Plan?
The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission (Greater Egypt) is overseeing the development of the plan. Greater Egypt has been serving southern Illinois communities, citizens, businesses, and local governments since 1961 by providing technical assistance and comprehensive planning. An advisory committee with representatives from the five counties will advise on the plan. A consultant team led by the Lochmueller Group along with Clarida & Ziegler Engineering and the i5Group are preparing the plan.
Q. How long will the planning process last?
The planning process began in early 2021 and is expected to end by Summer 2022.
Q. Will the public be part of the planning process?
Yes! Public involvement is an essential part of this plan. There will be two public meetings during the process. An online survey will take place in 2021. Visit www.GreaterEgyptTransportationPlan.org to stay up to date on the plan. The website will include updates about the process, schedule, and materials to download as they become available.
Download an Overview Brochure