Abstract:
Travel trends in Minnesota emphasize the need to ensure that travel on highway corridors linking economic centers around the state is safe, reliable, and efficient. The Minnesota Statewide Transportation Plan includes a policy to “enhance safety and access in important interregional corridors” that serve interregional freight and passenger needs by connecting Regional Trade Centers. In 1999, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) initiated a study to define a system of interregional corridors that connect these important Regional Trade Centers. The Interregional Corridor Study began by identifying a hierarchy of Regional Trade Centers. The method used to develop the hierarchy of places was based on population and the number and diversity of local businesses in each center. The Regional Trade Center concept provided a way to focus on the Minnesota’s economy and the relationship to a strong transportation system to maintain the economic vitality of the centers. Major state highways connecting these centers were analyzed using technical criteria. The results were refined through extensive public and agency involvement. The outcome was identification of a priority system of interregional corridors providing statewide and interstate transportation services. Using performance measures and performance targets, “mobility risk” corridors performing below target speed or having a risk of signal proliferation were identified. Funding improvements for these “mobility risk” corridors became a key component of Mn/DOT’s ten-year transportation investment strategy. During the 2000 Minnesota State Legislative session, Mn/DOT was successful in receiving funding for improving these interregional corridors. Results from Mn/DOT’s interregional corridors study were used to gather Legislative support for the passage of a major transportation funding bill. Mn/DOT implemented results of the interregional corridor study by developing smart-growth principles and policies to guide planning and investment decisions in the corridors. Corridor management plans use these policies to direct development of Minnesota’s interregional corridor system.
