PERMIAN BASIN MPO
Providing leadership to the region in the planning, funding,
and development of a safe, efficient multimodal transportation system.
Contact Information
Permian Basin MPO
Cameron Walker, Executive Director
432-617-0129
Permian Basin MPO adopts its latest long range transportation plan
The Forward50 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is long-range transportation plan tailored to the unique needs of the Permian Basin MPO region in Texas. The Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization (PBMPO) unanimously adopted the MTP at its Board meeting on November 18, 2024.
The final report can be found on the project website www.forward50mtp.com.
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated regional agency charged with carrying out a region’s transportation planning processes. MPOs are required in all urbanized areas with populations over 50,000. The Permian Basin MPO (PBMPO) was established in 1965 to ensure federal transportation dollars are spent based on a continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative process.
The PBMPO is responsible for preparing and ensuring that the MTP considers the built and natural environment in the region as it sets the long-term transportation vision for the area. The Forward50 MTP serves as the guiding framework for transportation investments, directing funding from local, state, and federal sources toward projects that enhance regional connectivity and address community needs. It is crucial to note that projects must be included in the MTP to be eligible for federal funding.
The Forward50 MTP is the product of a coordinated planning effort to establish and fulfill the region’s transportation vision by identifying transportation needs, selecting projects to address those needs, and creating a financially constrained set of projects based on a reasonable assumption of available funding.
The planning process required a collaborative effort between stakeholders, municipalities, and MPO staff to create a plan that reflects the values and needs of the region. The process also educated the public about the MTP and other MPO processes while listening to participants as they identified issues and opportunities. The result is an MTP that emphasizes engagement as an important tenet of a performance-based planning process.
The region continues to see an upward trend in available transportation dollars, and the Forward50 MTP projects nearly $3.6 billion in funding for transportation projects through the year 2050. Despite the continued increase in transportation dollars, the region’s transportation needs will exceed available funding.
The Forward50 MTP allocates funding to several priority corridors.
Two new interstate corridors will benefit the Permian Basin MPO. I-14 and I-27 will offer economic growth, additional public safety, and reduced congestion over time. Stakeholders understand that projects such as these interstates will take decades to complete. The MPO’s initial action is to place fiscally constrained projects into the Forward50 MTP.
Stakeholders and the PBMPO’s Technical Advisory Committee identified additional ways to build out the regional freeway system. A corridor identified for freeway conversion includes major portions of Loop 338 in Odessa. Also identified were two locations on SH 191 in need of Direct Connects, one at E Loop 338 and the other at Loop 250.
The Forward50 MTP recommendations serve as a foundation for promoting complete street concepts by integrating enhancements for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation. Notable multimodal strategies include continued implementation of the Wildcatter Trail and continued investment of $175 million for public transit.
PARTNER AGENCY SURVEYS
TxDOT Freight Planning Permian Basin Traffic Management Strategies to Support Surface Freight
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute is conducting a survey for interested parties to provide feedback on the materials presented and ideas for improving freight mobility in the Permian Basin region. The survey is optional as well as all questions and should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
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The City of Midland and Midland County have partnered to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The purpose of this Plan is tied directly to the local Vision Zero Plan which will identify and prioritize roadway safety projects aimed at significantly reducing and eliminating serious injuries and fatal crashes on Midland's streets and county roads. Important roadway safety projects will be identified through data analysis, public feedback, and with assistance from a Vision Zero task force. Projects will include safety improvements to roadways, intersections, sidewalk and bicycle infrastructure, lighting improvements, and more.
The online survey and interactive map are now closed for commenting. Thank you for your responses and commitment for making safer streets for all roadway users in Midland.
MIDLAND SAFETY ACTION PLAN SURVEY
For drivers:
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Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
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When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
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Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles.
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Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re always prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
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Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.​
For people walking:
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Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
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Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you.
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Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
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Use the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
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When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
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Wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
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“The Basin 20 initiative and its technology aims to provide travelers with the most current information to assist motorists make better travel decisions.”
The link to real-time information is: https://odessactis.southcentralus.cloudapp.azure.com/
For additional information contact Maryann Cedillo – maryann.cedillo@txdot.gov – 432 498 4746
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TxDOTOdessaTx
X (Twitter): www.twitter.com/TxDOTOdessa
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONTACT PERMIAN BASIN MPO
432-617-0129
9601 Wright Dr. Ste 1
Midland, Texas 79711
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 60916
Midland, TX 79711