The Route 15 Corridor

A locally controlled approach to planning with state and federal assistance

This is a plan that springs from expressed wishes of local people and will continue to have their input as it progresses under the auspices of CCMPO. It recognizes that finding a solution requires public participation. Input and support are needed from the local residents and officials affected, area organizations, businesses and special populations who rely upon the mobility and transportation options available within the Route 15 Corridor, regional transportation providers, the State of Vermont and many others who would also be affected by the approach selected. For that reason, CCMPO has provided presentations of the project update to local officials and others, and will continue to do so.

The result: a multi-modal plan

People who live and work in this area said they wanted a plan that would not depend on the automobile and highways alone, but recognized that car and truck traffic will continue to be important. The addition of commuter rail service in the Corridor adds an important option, with several stations near the major employers and destinations. Trains linking to feeder bus routes and increased bus service during the project’s development, and the addition of bicycle and pedestrian path improvements round out the major aspects of the plan.

Transit improvements create other needs and opportunities. CCMPO recognizes these in its Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning in the Corridor.

The TOD plan provides guidelines for the development of areas lining the transit routes and surrounding the stations. It presents a vision and planning information to work with towns, municipalities, and land owners to create spaces that can enhance land values and quality of life in those areas. The transit improvements create opportunities for residential and commercial development that can support transit use while the transit facilities support the high quality, environmentally friendly development.