Welcome to the Website for the
2025 - 2055 Metropolitan Transportation
Plan (MTP) Development
The 2025–2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is a long-range blueprint for the future of our region’s transportation system. It outlines strategies and projects to improve how people and goods move—by car, bus, bike, or on foot—over the next 30 years. Developed with input from the public, local governments, and transportation agencies, the MTP aims to support growth, enhance safety, reduce congestion, and promote sustainability.
Plan Development Schedule
(Location and time are subject to change)
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August 19, First Public Meeting @ Mountain Line Transit Terminal
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Late August, Pop-up Display @ WVU Mountainlair / PRT Mountaineer Station
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Mid-September, Second Public Meeting @ Morgantown City Hall
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Late September, Pop-up Display @ Mon County Courthouse Plaza
By the end of September, the draft MTP for comments
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Early October, Virtual Public Meeting
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Mid-October, Pop-up Display @ WVU Mountainlair / PRT Mountaineer Station
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Late October, Third Public Meeting @ Riverfront Historical Bus Depot
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Early November, Virtual Public Meeting
Submit for adoption by the MMMPO Policy Board at the November 2025 meeting or, if necessary, at the January 2026 meeting.
Draft Recommended Project Map
The following maps show projects from the current 2050 MTP for public validation. Project tiers have been updated to reflect those that have been committed or constructed. The projects will be carried forward into the 2055 MTP and reprioritized based on community input.
Draft Recommended Subarea Improvements (click to enlarge)
The following information (excluding the crash heat map) presents projects under consideration for inclusion in the 2025 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). These projects are being shared with the community for public review and comment.
Project Evaluation & Prioritization
Project Evaluation Factors
Safety & Security - Considers crash severity data and public feedback related to speeding and other safety concerns.
Reliability - Evaluates traffic congestion levels using the travel demand model and incorporates public input on reliability and delay.
System Maintenance - Assesses the condition and maintenance needs of National Highway System (NHS) roads, supported by public feedback on roadway upkeep.
Modal Choice - Reflects the availability and integration of multiple transportation options (walking, biking, and taking transit), including recommendations from the 2019 Bike-Ped Plan, the PRT system, regional trail networks, and MLTA bus services.
Local Priority - Accounts for direction from the Advisory Committee, priorities established in the previous MTP, and input gathered through public engagement.
Enhance Mobility for Low-income Populations - analyzing impacts on identified Communities of Concern and evaluating project proximity to key transit hubs to improve access to essential services and opportunities.
Consistency with Existing Plans - Measures alignment with the goals and recommendations of the 2022 and 2017 MTPs, as well as ongoing regional planning efforts.
Prioritization Process
Step 1: List all projects with a clearly defined scope of work.
Step 2: Evaluate each project using the Factor Evaluation Standard. The project evaluation factors are shown above. Each of the 22 evaluation categories from the standard is scored on a normalized 1–10 scale. Then, calculate the average score for each factor per project.
Step 3: Multiply the average score of each factor (from Step 2) by the corresponding weight assigned by the MTP Update Steering Committee. Sum all weighted scores to generate a Total Project Score out of 100
This is the summary of project prioritization for the previous MTP. Projects already included in the current MTP will retain their existing scores. New projects will be evaluated using updated weighted scores for the project evaluation factors, as determined by the steering committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
(We will continue to add more questions and answers as the project progresses.)
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What is an MPO, and what is the MTP?MPOs are designated for urban areas with a population of 50,000 or more. MPOs are responsible for implementing a “continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive planning process” in the metropolitan transportation planning process. The MPO’s governing body has two primary responsibilities: developing the urban area’s transportation plan and approving the use of Federal funds within its jurisdiction. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is developed and produced by the MPO with a minimum of a 25 year timeline/horizon. According to Federal regulations it is updated at least every 5 years or less. The MTP identifies how the region intends to invest in the transportation system. It considers how roadways, transit, nonmotorized transportation, and intermodal connections can improve the operational performance of the multimodal transportation system.
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Why is the MPO updating the MTP?The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for several important reasons: 1. Federal Requirement Federal law mandates that MPOs update their MTP at least every four or five years (depending on air quality status) to maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding. 2. Reflect New Data and Trends The update allows the MPO to incorporate: New population and employment projections Updated traffic patterns and travel behavior Emerging technologies and transportation modes Recent infrastructure investments and planned projects 3. Address Community Priorities Public needs, values, and concerns evolve. The MTP update ensures that the long-range plan aligns with current community goals, such as: Safety and equity Environmental sustainability Economic development Multimodal access (bike, walk, transit, etc.)
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Who decides what goes into the Metropolitan Transportation Plan?The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is shaped through a collaborative process. Input comes from the general public, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, the Technical Advisory Committee, and the MPO Policy Board. Local stakeholders—including community organizations, transportation providers, as well as regulatory requirements—all play a key role. MPO staff supports the process by providing technical analysis, data, and planning expertise to inform decisions. These voices help ensure the MTP reflects community priorities and sound planning principles. More about the MPO's board and committees.
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How will you decide priorities?The MPO will prioritize projects using a data-driven process that combines public input, technical analysis, and guidance from advisory committees. Each project is scored based on factors such as safety, reliability, system maintenance, modal choice, mobility for low-income populations, and consistency with existing plans. Scores are weighted according to priorities set by the MTP Update Steering Committee. New projects are evaluated using this updated method, while existing projects will also be reviewed using the revised methodology.
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How will the projects recommended in this plan be paid for?Projects recommended in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) will primarily be funded through a combination of federal and state transportation funds and local matching contributions. Federal funding sources may include programs such as the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives (TA), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and transit funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). To access these funds, local governments or agencies must typically provide a local match, which can come from city or county budgets, state funds, or other local sources. The MTP helps identify and prioritize projects that are eligible for funding and ensures they align with regional goals. Including a project in the MTP is often the first step in securing funding, as it demonstrates the project’s importance to the region and its readiness for future investment.
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When will these projects start and be completed?Project timelines depend on available funding and their assigned priority tiers. Once a project is approved and funded, it typically takes 5 to 10 years to move through design, permitting, and construction. Higher-priority projects may be scheduled sooner, while others may be phased in over time as funding becomes available.
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Which projects are funded and which are just on a wish list?Projects in Tiers 1 through 3 are recommended for funding based on need and priority. However, actual funding decisions are made by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies—the MPO does not directly control final funding allocations. Tier 4 projects are considered long-term needs or aspirational and are unlikely to be funded within the MTP timeframe unless new or alternative funding sources become available.
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Are there plans to fix potholes?It depends on who owns and maintains the road. In West Virginia, roads fall into four categories: Municipally Maintained Roads are the responsibility of the city or town. For example, the City of Morgantown’s Public Works Department handles pothole repairs on city streets. State-Maintained Roads fall under the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH). Most roads in Monongalia County and in the state are part of the state system, and the DOH is responsible for their upkeep. Privately Maintained Roads are managed by homeowner associations, commercial developments, or other private entities. Abandoned Roads have no official owner or maintenance agency and may not receive regular repairs.
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Will my feedback change anything?Yes — public feedback is an important part of the planning process. All comments are recorded and shared with the advisory committees and the MPO Policy Board. While technical factors like safety, engineering, and environmental impact may sometimes carry more weight, public input plays a key role in shaping priorities and influencing final decisions. Your voice helps guide the direction of the MTP.
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How can I stay informed as this plan moves forward?The MPO has a website and multiple social media platforms. We also have a mailing list. Updates will be sent out and posted. This plan will also be discussed at our meetings. The dates/links/agendas/minutes can be found on our website. You can join the email list on: https://www.plantogether.org/2055mtp Meet us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MorgantownMonongaliaMPO Email us at: Planning@plantogether.org
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Who is going to pay for the projects?Normally, the developers of new or existing properties with the opportunity to apply for grants that relate to pedestrian safety and connectivity. However, HOAs or other citizen groups may participate. Also, opportunistically, WVDOH, MUB, or another entity may add a section when they work on a project in the network area.
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Who is going to implement the projects?A property within the West Run Planning District may propose a development working with Monongalia County Planning. If the developer is building a large complex, it may entail a Development of Significant Impact, and they have to consider how it will impact the surrounding areas. This plan helps preemptively create ideas/plans to provide appropriate infrastructure to the area to positively impact the surrounding areas. Adding facilities for the pedestrian network would qualify. This simplifies the process for developers as they come into this area.
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What is the next step?Approving this as part of the MTP will set up a preliminary plan for when developers come into this area. This ‘approval’ means WVDOH, County Planning, the MPO, and the surrounding area are supportive and approve of this preliminary plan. Therefore, it creates a simple path forward for developers wanting to develop land.
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When will it be built?The timing of construction depends largely on private development activity. As developers purchase land in the area, projects will move forward in phases based on market demand, financing, permitting, and infrastructure availability. While the MPO can recommend improvements and coordinate long-range plans, actual construction often happens incrementally and is tied to the pace of development.
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How did you conduct this study?The study was conducted using a combination of methods, including informal site visits, conversations with current and prospective developers, and analysis of existing conditions such as topography, right-of-way availability, and access limitations. These insights were supplemented by map reviews and planning tools to understand physical constraints and opportunities for future infrastructure improvements.
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What is a residential shared street?A residential shared street is a low-traffic neighborhood street where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles all share the same space without traditional separation like sidewalks or curbs. The design focuses on slowing vehicle speeds—usually to under 10 mph—by using features such as flush curbs, textured paving, and minimal signage. This encourages drivers to be cautious and yield to more vulnerable users, creating a pedestrian-first environment. These streets often serve as informal community spaces, supporting safe walking, biking, and even play in residential areas. By blurring the boundaries between transportation and social space, shared streets promote walkability, calm traffic naturally, and help foster stronger neighborhood connections. They are especially effective in areas with low traffic volumes and a desire for a more community-oriented public realm.
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Are the connectors on the public right-of-way?This may be on public right-of-way and through private property (but the owners/developers of the private property would need to allow public access to connectors through their property).
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Will there be a crosswalk at the intersection?Depends on the line of sight and safety aspects. This will determine where the crosswalk will go and at what intersection.
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Do property owners know about the proposed projects? Do they agree with this proposed network?Staff have discussed it with many, and they are supportive of the idea. Part of this process is to make all property owners and the community aware of getting feedback.
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What are the opportunities for developers?This simplifies part of the application process and provides connectivity for the area. It would essentially connect Evansdale / Ruby to Suncrest Town Center. This would also add value to their property and make the area more attractive to tenants.
Major Committed/Completed Project List
The following projects have been completed or committed since the last MTP adoption:
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Beechurst Avenue Corridor Improvements (Campus Drive to University Avenue): Intersection reconstruction, roadway realignment, and upgrades to sidewalks and crosswalks. (constructed)
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Collins Ferry Road – Trail Access Improvements: Enhancements to improve pedestrian and trail connectivity. (constructed)
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Don Knotts Boulevard – Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study: Evaluation of a potential pedestrian bridge connecting White Park to the Caperton Trail. (completed)
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Greenbag Road Corridor Improvements (Luckey Lane to Don Knotts Boulevard): Intersection improvements (including a roundabout at Dorsey Avenue), road standardization, and pedestrian enhancements. (committed)
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Harmony Grove – New I-79 Interchange: Funding committed for the construction of a new interchange. (committed)
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I-79 Exit 155 – Interchange Temporary Signal: Enhancements to traffic flow and safety at the interchange. (committed)
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Monongahela River – New Bridge and Access Roads: Funding committed for a new bridge and connecting infrastructure between Morgantown Industrial Park and Don Knotts Boulevard. (under construction)
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Smithtown Road and Grafton Road – Intersection Improvements: Safety and operational upgrades at the intersection. (committed)
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University Avenue and Collins Ferry Road – Intersection Reconstruction: Redesign for improved traffic movement and pedestrian access. (under construction)
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Vulnerable Road User (VRU) – Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Targeted safety enhancements for pedestrians and other vulnerable users. (committed)
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Walnut Street – Streetscape Project: Streetscape upgrades to improve aesthetics, walkability, and public space quality. (under construction)
Contact Us
(304) 291 - 9571
Contact243 High Street Room 026Morgantown, WV 26505