Parsons Brinckerhoff developing transit plan for I-75 corridor in Michigan

Flint, Mich. — The Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) in Flint, Mich., awarded a planning contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff for a transit feasibility study for the I-75 corridor, from Bay City south through Flint to the state line. The study will include a component aimed at strengthening Flint’s local transportation network to support residents and businesses that depend on public transportation.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has designated the I 75 corridor as one “of highest significance" in its long-range transportation plan. The feasibility study will assess the need for transit solutions for commuter traffic in and out of southeast Michigan to reduce growing congestion along the corridor. A similar review will be performed for the primary transit corridors of the Flint MTA. The arterials that currently serve primary transit routes will be reviewed based on demographic changes, transportation and travel patterns in the City of Flint, and to and from key destinations in the state.

As the prime consultant on the project, Parsons Brinckerhoff will analyze and prepare demographic information and perform a transportation needs assessment on the study area. The Parsons Brinckerhoff team will perform an analysis of economic conditions in the corridor, documenting current and projected local, regional, and national economic and labor market conditions and the impact of those conditions on roadway traffic and transit demand, as well as the potential impact of improvements on regional and local economic development. The Parsons Brinckerhoff team and MTA will develop a set of alternative approaches to addressing the need for transit options. The goal is to increase regional connectivity in the corridor over the next 25 years as identified in the purpose and need, goals, and objectives of the study.

Parsons Brinckerhoff and its partners will concurrently conduct for MTA a primary route study on MTA’s existing 14-route transit system. This study will take into account the significant changes in population, demographics, and economics that have occurred in the city since the system’s inception in 1972.

The funding for this project was authorized in the federal SAFETEA-LU formula grant program under section 5303 (metropolitan planning) and passed by the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. These funds are dedicated to planning initiatives and cannot be used for operations. The original award date was August 2011. The I-75 Transit Corridor feasibility study will be completed in August 2015.