TranPlan21

TranPlan 21, Montana's long-range transportation policy plan, is part of an ongoing process that regularly identifies transportation issues, evaluates public and stakeholder needs and priorities, and establishes and implements policy goals and actions. This process guides MDT in the development and management of a multimodal transportation system that connects Montana residents and communities to each other and the world.

MDT developed the original TranPlan 21 in 1994 and 1995 with an update completed in 2002. The purpose of the 2002 update was to ensure that MDT continued to address customer priorities and that transportation funds are effectively spent on the programs and projects that reflect those priorities. Another focus of the 2002 update was determining how MDT could best support economic development through transportation policy and programs.

In early 2008 MDT completed a limited amendment of TranPlan 21. The primary purpose of this amendment is to ensure the plan meets the requirements of the most recent federal transportation legislation - the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

The limited amendment addressed several issues including:

  • Consideration of Transportation System Security;
  • Incorporation of Visualization Techniques into Public Involvement Activities;
  • Integration of the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan;
  • Consistency with Growth and Economic Development Plans;
  • New Consultation Requirements;
  • Statewide Plans/Environmental Mitigation Activities;
  • Capital, Operations, and System Management Strategies, Investments, Procedures, and Other Measures

Although more limited in scope than a full plan update effort, the amendment process included public outreach and the participation of Federal, State and Tribal resource agencies and builds on public involvement provided through previous updates of TranPlan 21.

This website contains a complete copy of the TranPlan 21. Also available are the Public Involvement Telephone and Transportation Stakeholder surveys.

E-mail comments or suggestions to or call the TranPlan 21 toll-free number at
1.800.714.7296.