Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning

Project origination and planning is the first step in DelDOT’s project development process. Project origination refers to the creation of the project, including initial development and conceptualization of a transportation project. It involves the identification of transportation needs and deficiencies, assessment of alternatives, and the initiation of a project planning process. Project origination typically includes activities such as conducting feasibility studies, evaluating potential impacts, determining project scope, and identifying potential funding sources. It is the starting point for formally defining and advancing a transportation project from an initial idea to a well-defined concept that can be further developed and eventually implemented.

Transportation project planning and programming is regulated at a federal-level and conducted through regional, state, and local-scale to ensure implementation of a process and improvements that consider the needs and desires of the end users. Understanding a project’s origination and purpose and need is crucial to ensure the development of contextually sensitive solutions that effectively address the underlying transportation deficiency. This chapter describes the mechanisms, processes, and associated standards that are used to plan, prioritize, and program projects within the State of Delaware.

2.1 Planning Standards

To be eligible to receive federal funds, a state department of transportation (DOT) is required to carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive performance-based statewide multimodal transportation planning process in accordance with 23 CFR 450. DelDOT’s Division of Planning is charged with overseeing and coordinating with necessary stakeholders both internal and external to DelDOT to maintain a federally compliant statewide planning process that considers the factors described in 23 U.S.C. 135(d)(1) and 23 CFR 450.206(a). This section of the manual serves to summarize several key aspects of a compliant planning process.

2.1.1 Contributing Organizations

DelDOT is charged with overseeing the entire statewide transportation planning process and for producing the deliverables that are described in [bookmark://_2.1.2_Performance-Based_Approach/ Section 2.1.2]. Continuous collaboration and coordination are required throughout the planning process to ensure effective constituent involvement. The regulatory requirements of the collaboration required in the planning process is explicitly defined in 23 CFR 450.208. This subsection identifies and further describes the role of organizations that are directly involved in DelDOT’s planning process.

2.1.1.1 Metropolitan Planning Organizations

A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a regional agency responsible for transportation planning in metropolitan areas with populations over 50,000, as determined by the United States Census. MPOs are required for urbanized areas to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to transportation planning and decision-making. Accordingly, MPOs play an instrumental role in the planning process.

MPOs have a governing board composed of representatives from local governments, transit agencies, and other stakeholders. They engage in a collaborative process involving public input, data analysis, and coordination with local constituents to ensure the development of planning deliverables that consider the needs of the local population.

MPOs play a crucial role in ensuring that transportation planning aligns with federal regulations, such as the transportation planning requirements of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning process outlined in 23 CFR 450. By coordinating transportation investments and addressing regional priorities, MPOs help enhance mobility, manage congestion, and support the overall development of the metropolitan area’s transportation system.

MPOs are formally designated by agreement between the Governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population including the largest incorporated city, based on population. MPO boundaries are reviewed after each census to determine if existing boundaries meet the minimum statutory requirements for new and updated urbanized area(s).

An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT), is defined as a Transportation Management Area (TMA). MPOs located within a TMA are charged with developing additional planning products in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation challenges that are inherently present in large urban areas. The structure and roles of TMAs are more fully described in 23 CFR 450.310(d).

Delaware contains three MPOs within its boundaries: • Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) covering New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County Maryland, • Dover/ Kent MPO covering Kent County, and • Salisbury/ Wicomico MPO covering portions of Sussex County.

Additionally, WILMAPCO is also considered a TMA.

2.1.1.2 Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) and Local Governments

Department Resources

Consultation Process for Non-Metropolitan Officials 2.1.1.3 Public Transportation Operators 2.1.1.4 Council on Transportation 2.1.2 Performance-Based Approach 2.1.3 Public Involvement   2.1.4 Deliverables 2.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan 2.1.4.2 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) 2.2 Programs Generating DelDOT Projects 2.2.1 Entities Outside of DelDOT 2.2.1.1 MPO Planning Studies 2.2.1.2 Studies Generated by a Third Party 2.2.1.3 Projects Mandated to Complete 2.2.2 Division of Planning 2.2.2.1 Corridor Capacity Preservation 2.2.2.2 Multi-Modal Program 2.2.2.2.1 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP Program) 2.2.2.2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program 2.2.2.2.3 Pedestrian Access Route Program 2.2.2.2.4 Recreational Trails Program 2.2.2.3 Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) 2.2.2.4 Aviation Planning 2.2.2.5 Freight Planning 2.2.2.6 Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) 2.2.3 Structures Program 2.2.3.1 Bridge Structures Program 2.2.3.2 Overhead Sign and High Mast Lighting Structures Program 2.2.3.3 Dam Program 2.2.4 Pavement Management Program 2.2.5 Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations 2.2.5.1 Traffic Calming Program 2.2.5.2 MUTCD Compliance Program 2.2.5.3 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 2.2.5.3.1 Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) 2.2.5.3.2 High-Risk Rural Roads Program