Public participation is a key component of transportation studies, and part of EOT's efforts to base decisions on an objective, transparent, and inclusive planning and project implementation process.  Public participation is vital to the success of any transportation project.

 

A major portion of any study’s time and resources is devoted to the public participation process. Transportation studies typically include a variety of stakeholders – including federal, state, regional and local representation through study committees and task forces. This approach often achieves general agreement that recommended improvements are reasonable and meet the goals of a study. This creates a broader level of support for study recommendations.

 

This high level of public involvement takes time. Of course, other approaches with less public participation might be more expedient. For example, it would be faster and easier for a traffic engineer to just design roadway upgrades that improve mobility and safety, rather than conduct a study. But consideration of environmental, community, and land-use impacts must be included, as it helps to avoid impacts such as the destruction of wetlands and the disruption of neighborhoods.

Public Comment Opportunities