2025 Metropolitan Transportation Plan / Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update

Click here to take the survey

2025 MTP Update

The Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO) has initiated the update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).  The GHMPO planning boundary area includes all of Hall County and the western portion of Jackson County.   By federal and state law, the MTP is updated every 5 years.  The current MTP will cover a thirty-year period from 2025 to 2055.  This update will provide the framework for prioritized multimodal transportation investments for the GHMPO region, including roadways, bridges, transit, and non-motorized infrastructure.

The MTP development process will include coordination and input from GHMPO’s planning partners that comprise representatives from its standing committees, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Hall County, Jackson County, the Town of Braselton, the City of Hoschton, the City of Flowery Branch, the City of Gainesville,  and the City of Oakwood.

The MTP will include a summary of existing conditions and transportation needs.  Assessment of existing and future congestion, safety concerns, mobility and connectivity are the key factors that will help guide the technical assessment and identification of needs.  The resulting MTP will include a prioritized list of projects that can feasibly be funded given anticipated revenues as well as recommendations, policies, and strategies to enhance the transportation system.

Bike-Ped Plan Update

Concurrently to the development of the MTP, an update to GHMPO’s Bike and Pedestrian Plan will also be completed.  The Bike-Ped Plan Update will provide a detailed plan to enhance regional connectivity and mobility including improving access to the Highlands to Islands Trail System.  It will include a prioritized plan of action items including projects and policies that enhance and expand upon local bicycle and pedestrian plans.

The draft goals of the GHMPO Bike-Ped Update include:

  • A focus on regional connectivity
  • Focusing on areas with a demonstrated safety need(s)
  • Identification and prioritization of connections to existing and planned bike/ped infrastructure (like the Highlands to Islands Trail, Braselton LifePath, etc.)
  • Identification of regional activity centers and emphasizing connections:
    • Between neighborhoods and regional activity centers and
    • Between activity centers
  • Identification of funding sources and establish feasible/reasonable timeframes for implementation

Public and Stakeholder Outreach

A critical component of the planning process is the inclusion of a robust public and stakeholder involvement program.   An MTP/Bike Ped Plan stakeholder committee which includes local representatives and key interest groups will serve as a sounding board to review data and help develop recommendations for the MTP.  The public is encouraged to provide input through a series of public meetings and surveys (both online and written) to be advertised via social media and on this website.  Click on the link below to access the survey and provide critical feedback for the development of these plans. Check back here often!