Hattiesburg final document

Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization / 1
Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization
2040Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Executive Summary - January 2016

2 / Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization
This plan is the result of
a 12-month process that
included consultation
with local, state and
federal agencies and
governing bodies as well
as an extensive public
involvement component.
The Metropolitan
Transportaiton Plan (MTP) is
a long-range transportation
master plan or blueprint for
guiding the development of
transportation projects and
programs in and around the
Hattiesburg Urbanized Area.
Although federal and state
regulations along with the
Metropolitan Planning
Organization’s Public
Participation Plan specify
certain requirements for the
development of the MTP, the
vision that drives the process
is locally developed.
VISION: A seamless-intergrated multimodal transportation system
that connects people of all backgrounds and abilities to their desired
destinations in a safe, convenient and efficient manner. A transportation
system that promotes a sustainable region with a high quality of life.

Introduction
This document is a summary of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for the
Hattiesburg Urbanized Area.
The MTP area, referred to as the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA), includes both the
adjusted or smoothed Hattiesburg, Mississippi Urbanized Area (as defined by the 2010
Census) and areas beyond this boundary that are anticipated to become urbanized within
the next 20 years. The MPA is comprised of portions of both Forrest County and Lamar
County and includes the incorporated communities of Hattiesburg, Petal, Sumrall, and
Purvis. The general boundaries of the MPA and the smoothed urbanized area, as established
by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, are shown on the map below.
2040Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Executive Summary - January 2016

Legislative Authority for the Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP)
With the passing of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962,
Congress made urban transportation planning a condition for
receipt of federal funds for highway projects in urban areas with
a population of 50,000 or more. This legislation encouraged
a continuing, comprehensive transportation planning process
carried on cooperatively by the states and local communities.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) were designated
by the governor in each state to carry out this legislative
requirement. Following this initial Federal legislation, there
have been a series of acts by Congress that have continued the
metropolitan transportation planning requirement and provided funding for transportation
projects, the most recent being the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015.
Because the FAST Act was signed into law after the 2040 MTP was drafted, the MTP does
not reference the FAST Act when discussing the regulatory and funding framework for
transportation planning in metropolitan areas. Instead it refers to MAP-21, the preceding
legislation signed into law in 2012. While the FAST Act does not substantially change
metropolitan transportation planning provisions, MAP-21 and previous transportation
legislative acts drastically changed the process of planning for transportation systems. These
landmark legislative acts include the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
in 1991, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998, and the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – Legacy for Users (SAFETEA‐LU) in
2005. All of these legislative acts have been a direct result of the Clean Air Act Amendments
of 1990 (CAAA), which broadened the goals of transportation system planning to include
reducing vehicle miles traveled, expanding travel mode options, improving air quality, and
integrating land use considerations into the planning process.
Section 1201 of the FAST Act expands on MAP-21 and SAFETEA-LU by requiring that a
metropolitan planning area carry out a planning process that provides for consideration and
implementation of projects, strategies, and services that:
• Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global
competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
• Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-
motorized users;
• Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
• Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the
quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State
and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
• Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and
between modes throughout the State, for people and freight;
• Promote efficient system management and operation;
• Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system;
• Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate
stormwater impacts of surface transportation; and
• Enhance travel and tourism.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization
Federal law (23 CFR Part 450) mandates the creation of an MPO for each census-defined
urbanized area, with the purpose of involving local governments in transportation decisions
involving Federal highway and/or transit funds. The US Census Bureau has identified over
400 regions throughout the United States that it considers to be urbanized as of 2010. By
definition, urbanized areas contain a population greater than 50,000. Under these regulations,
the Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPFLMPO) has been
designated by the Governor of Mississippi as the MPO for the Hattiesburg, MS Urbanized Area
and is the responsible agency for transportation planning activities.
The HPFLMPO is composed of local government representatives, transportation officials and
other stakeholders. It functions with two committees. The Technical Committee reviews
documents and makes recommendations on the technical aspects of the MPO plans, while the
Policy Committee provides policy direction to the MPO staff and authorizes adoption of the
MPO plans.
The MTP Planning Process
Federal and state regulations and the MPO’s Public Participation Plan specify certain
requirements for the development of the MTP, but the vision that drives the planning process
is locally developed. It is this locally-derived vision that serves as the foundation for the MTP’s
performance-based approach to metropolitan
transportation planning summarized below:
• Set regional vision
• Define goals and objectives
• Establish system performance measures
• Assess baseline system performance
• Identify desired system performance
• Forecast future conditions and need
• Develop implementation strategy

Visioning
The regional vision was synthesized from public and stakeholder input. From this vision,
goals, objectives, and project prioritization criteria were developed that support achievement
of the stated vision. Though not included in the 2040 MTP, monitoring of performance
measures related to achieving the regional vision will become an integral part of future
MTPs. Once federal guidance on transportation performance measures is finalized, the
MPO will be required to track performance measures, set targets, and periodically report on
progress in coordination with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Vision
“A seamlessly-integrated, multimodal transportation system that connects people of all
backgrounds and abilities to their desired destinations in a safe, convenient, and efficient
manner. A transportation system that promotes a sustainable region with a high quality of life.”
Goals
• Affordable, convenient, and reliable access to destinations by multiple modes
of transportation
• A connected regional economy accessible to national and global markets
• A well-maintained and efficient transportation system
• A safe, secure, and resilient transportation system
• A transportation system that creates a sense of place and improves public health
• A transportation system that distributes benefits and burdens in an equitable manner
• A transportation system that minimizes detrimental impacts to the natural and
historic environment and practices environmental stewardship
• A meaningful public involvement process that influences transportation
decision-making
• A fiscally-constrained 25-year Transportation Improvement Program that
addresses existing and future needs while maximizing projected revenues
Federally-Required Performance Measure Categories
• Pavement condition on the Interstate System and remainder of National Highway
System (NHS)
• Performance of the Interstate System and the remainder of the NHS
• Bridge condition on the NHS
• Fatalities and serious injuries
• Traffic congestion
• On-road mobile source emissions
• Freight movement on the Interstate System
• State of Good Repair for public transit
Note: The MPO may elect to monitor additional performance measures.

Current System Performance
The 2040 MTP analyzes current environmental, land use, travel, and socioeconomic patterns
to better understand the existing demand for transportation. It then assesses existing
conditions of all transportation modes by means of an asset inventory, technical analysis,
and input received from the public and stakeholders. Therefore, the MTP provides a
snapshot of current performance and a baseline for performance monitoring.
Public Perception of Transportation Conditions

Roadways
In general, there is a lack of widespread congestion
in the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Planning Area in
the base year. Congestion is mostly confined to the
Hardy Street/US 98 corridor.
Maintenance needs are also somewhat limited
in nature. Only portions of US 11 near the
Hattiesburg Central Business District (CBD) and US
49 northwest of I-59 stand out for poor pavement
conditions. Only two of the 19 bridges in poor
condition are on the National Highway System, and
both are on I-59 crossing the Bouie River.
The Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area
(MSA) lags behind other small MSAs in the country
in terms of electric vehicle charging stations per
capita. With the projected growth in electric
vehicles, more investment in infrastructure will be
necessary.
After the travel impacts of the forecast change in
population and employment were modeled with travel demand modeling software, congestion
in the MPA is forecast to become more intense and more widespread. Congestion on the Hardy
Street/US 98 corridor is forecast to exceed capacity from US 49 to MS 589 and US 49 is forecast to
exceed capacity from MS 42 to Rawls Springs. Other future congestion hot spots are mostly in close
proximity to intersections and interchanges.
Bicycle and Pedestrian
For bicycle and pedestrian needs, a regional demand analysis, facility inventory, and crash analysis
were undertaken to better understand current performance and future needs. While there are
many areas with relatively high demand for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, most places in
the MPA lack sufficient sidewalks or any bicycle accommodations. As the MPA continues to grow,
demand will increase in high-growth areas. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will need to be
provided in tandem with new roadway projects.
Areas experiencing unreliable travel times
Bicycle and pedestrian demand heat map

Public Transit
For public transit, the MTP
evaluates the fixed-route service
provided by Hub City Transit.
Current performance and future
needs were assessed primarily
by means of a regional demand
analysis and peer analysis.
These analyses indicate that
Hub City Transit provides a low
level of service when compared
to peer urbanized areas in the
South. There are many existing and projected areas of
moderate demand that are not currently served by a fixed
or semi-fixed route. Beyond expanding transit coverage,
critical needs on existing routes include improving the
level of service and increasing route frequencies, with
special emphasis placed on improving sidewalks and ADA-
compliant infrastructure near existing bus stops.
Freight
An inventory of the existing freight network and facilities
was conducted as well as an analysis of existing freight
movement, capacity, traffic, and safety. Future freight
volumes were also projected.
The growth in freight shipped to and from the Hattiesburg
MPA by truck is projected to increase at a faster rate than the
state as a whole. The major freight corridors with the highest
congestion issues are US 98 from US 49 to MS 589 and US
49 from MS 42 to Rawls Springs. Areas with potential truck
safety issues were identified.
The growth in freight
shipped to and from the
MPA by rail is projected
to be behind the state’s
growth as a whole. The
MTP identifies rail/roadway
crossings where increasing
train speeds may be
desirable. It also identifies
locations where crossing
warning devices may be
needed.
Hub City transit routes
Major freight routes and railroads

Forecasting Future Needs
Forecasting Future Socio-Economic Patterns
To forecast future transportation needs, the 2040 MTP developed future population,
employment, and school enrollment forecasts for 2020, 2030, and 2040 for small geographic
areas called Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs). This forecast data was developed through local
consultation, analysis of third-party forecasts, and geospatial analysis of environmental
attributes, land use patterns, and socioeconomic trends.
Hattiesburg Metropolitan Planning Area
Demographic Data Forecast
YEAR POPULATION TOTAL EMPLOYMENT
2013 106,413 69,505
2020 126,826 81,393
2030 140,607 89,311
2040 154,105 97,424
Identification of Needs
The next step in the planning process was the determination of the transportation needs
of the community over the next 25 years. The needs assessment includes demand and
deficiency analyses as well as the identification of potential projects to address demand,
alleviate deficiencies, and preserve or improve current infrastructure conditions.
Potential projects were identified for all modes of transportation, with the exception of aviation.
• Roadway capacity projects were identified from the public visioning exercise, stakeholder
input, and previous plans.
• Roadway maintenance and operations projects were identified through an analysis of
existing conditions and consultation with local transportation providers.
• Public Transit projects and programs were identified from the 2015-2019 Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) under the assumption that public transit
will continue to operate at similar levels in the future.
• Freight projects were identified by collecting input from public visioning exercise,
stakeholders, and previous plans.
• Independent bicycle and pedestrian projects, or those not incidental to roadway
projects, were identified by the MPO’s Pathways Plan, public input, and analysis of
existing and future conditions. Because cost estimates were not developed, these
projects were ultimately not included in the MTP. However, the MPO may program
bicycle and pedestrian projects without amending the 2040 MTP.

Financial Analysis
Financial feasibility is a major consideration in determining the final list of improvements to
be included in the MTP. Federal regulations mandate that the MTP be fiscally constrained,
that is, projected expenditures for projects and programs should not exceed projected
revenues. The process for projecting transportation revenues and estimating project/
program costs is critical for the creation of a viable long-range transportation plan.
The financial analysis for the MTP includes a revenue projection that identifies the
anticipated revenue stream for local, state, and federal funds. This revenue stream was
indexed to account for future inflation.
An implementation cost was calculated for each project based on recent typical costs by
project type. Local or project-specific estimates were used when available. The total cost
for each project includes planning, engineering, preconstruction activities, construction, and
contingencies. These figures also include an inflation factor so that costs can be determined
based on year-of-expenditure dollars.
Annual transportation revenues in the urban areas of the state can vary widely by year.
Therefore, revenue projections were calculated for three time periods or stages. The
projected federal and state revenue that is anticipated to be available for transportation
projects in the Hattiesburg MPA are shown in the table below.
Future Transportation Revenue Projections
Hattiesburg Metropolitan Planning Area
TIME PERIOD ROADWAYS PUBLIC TRANSIT
Stage I (2016 to 2020) $81,827,281 $6,311,981
Stage II (2021 to 2030) $176,389,519 $12,543,152
Stage III (2031 to 2040) $194,843,766 $15,619,284
Total (2016 to 2040) $453,060,566 $32,331,348

Project Prioritization
The MTP prioritizes roadway capacity projects identified by the public and stakeholders. The
process utilizes multiple criteria to evaluate projects for their potential to help achieve the
regional vision, goals, and objectives. The table below shows these prioritization criteria.
Roadway Capacity Project Prioritization Criteria
CRITERIA RATIONALE MAXIMUM
POINTS
Travel Delay
Reduction Benefits
Make most efficient use of limited funding by selecting projects
that reduce overall network delay experienced by the users 40
Safety Unsafe areas should receive priority over other areas. 15
Connectivity/
Continuity
Connectivity benefits exceed quantifiable model outputs,
especially as it relates to the provision of alternative routes and
street connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians 10
Intermodal/
Multimodal Benefits
Encourage projects that benefit both the movement of people
and goods and/or have the potential to improve bicycle and
pedestrian conditions 10
Plan Consistency
Encourage projects that have been vetted through locally-
adopted plans, existing studies or plans 10
Potential Impact to
Community or Natural
Resources Avoid negative and costly environmental impacts 10
Potential Impact to
Minority and Low-
Income Population Environmental Justice 5

Staged Improvement Program
The fiscally-constrained roadway
projects included in the MTP
are shown in the map below
and described in tables on
pages 14 and 15. In addition
to these roadway projects, the
fiscally-constrained plan includes
sufficient funding to continue
operating transit services at the
current level of service. Roadway
projects that went through the
prioritization process but could not be programmed due to a projected lack of available
funding are included in a separate list of projects called the visionary roadway capacity
projects. While not currently programmed in the MTP, they may be added if funding
becomes available.
The table above shows the benefits of implementing the fiscally-constrained capacity
projects versus a “no-build” scenario where only existing and committed projects are
implemented. This table indicates that the fiscally-constrained program of projects will
reduce the hours of vehicle delay by 13 percent, while reductions in vehicle miles traveled
and vehicle hours traveled will be less significant.
Location of Planned Roadway Projects
Projected Benefits of
Planned Roadway Capacity Projects
MEASURE PERCENT
REDUCTION
Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled -0.5%
Daily Vehicle Hours Traveled -4.0%
Daily Hours of Delay -13.0%
Note: Dashed lines represent new roadways

Stage I (2016-2020) Fiscally-Constrained Roadway Projects
ROUTE LOCATION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
COST
(1,000’s)
W 4th St Weathersby Rd to N 38th Ave Widen to 4 Lanes $5,018
Lincoln Rd S 40th Ave to Broadway Dr Widen to 4 Lanes $6,131
US 11 Chapel Hill Rd to Leeville Rd Widen to 4 Lanes $9,478
US 11 West Central Ave to Evelyn Gandy Pkwy Widen to 4 Lanes $1,859
Broadway Dr Ext W Pine St to Hall Ave New 2 Lane Roadway $1,954
Hardy St US 49 to 21st Ave ITS Improvements1
$297
US 49 I-59 to Rawls Springs Loop Rd. ITS Improvements1
$1,997
Hardy St King Rd/Old US 11 to I-59 ITS Improvements1
$2,931
Hardy St N 21st Ave to W Pine St ITS Improvements1
$1,487
Hardy St I-59 to US 49 ITS Improvements1
$1,317
Note 1: ITS = Intelligent Transportation Systems
Stage II (2021-2030) Fiscally-Constrained Roadway Projects
PROJECT
COST
(1,000’s)
Western Bypass
Phase I
Richburg Rd to US 98 Widen to 4 Lanes, New 4
Lane Roadway
$23,267
US 11 I-59 south for 1.2 miles Widen to 4 Lanes $5,179
Weathersby Rd Methodist Blvd to W 4th St Widen to 4 Lanes $3,021
Bouie St E 4th St to Old MS 42/US 11 Widen to 4 Lanes $2,374
Hall Ave Extension James St to E Hardy St New 2 Lane Roadway $8,335
Glendale Ave Old MS 42 to Evelyn Gandy Pkwy Widen to 4 Lanes $6,257
S 17th Ave Adeline St to Mamie St New 2 Lane Roadway $962
Timothy Ln Ext W Pine St to Eastside Ave New 2 Lane Roadway $962

Other Plan Recommendations
The MTP also recommends several short-term and long-term strategic actions that the MPO
and its partner agencies should undertake in order to improve conditions for bicyclists,
pedestrians, public transit users, and freight. Strategies to improve regional air quality are
also recommended.
Key takeaways from these recommendations include:
• After implementing its proposed route modifications, Hub City Transit (HCT)
should focus on improving accessibility, amenities, and rider information.
Eventually, HCT should expand its hours of operations and frequencies for some
or all routes. It should also explore expanding service to Petal and other areas
of moderate to high demand in the future, perhaps through the creation of a
regional transit authority.
• Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will accompany future new roadway and
roadway widening projects in the MPO, unless exceptional circumstances exist.
Beyond this, the MPO will implement the action items recommended in its
Pathways Plan (2015).
• Freight needs can mostly be addressed by implementing the roadway capacity
and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) projects listed previously. Beyond
this, the MPO should work with key local freight stakeholders and MDOT to
identify potential freight travel improvements.
• The MPO should take a comprehensive approach to address air quality issues,
focusing on improving system and operational efficiencies, reducing travel activity,
introducing low-carbon fuels, and increasing fuel efficiency. This includes
addressing the need for alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure in the future.
Stage III (2031-2040) Fiscally-Constrained Roadway Projects
PROJECT
COST
(1,000’s)
Lincoln Rd Sandy Run Rd/Hegwood Rd to I-59 Widen to 4 lanes $14,729
Sunrise Rd Indian Springs Rd to MS 42
Widen to 4 Lanes,
Realignment
$11,837
J Ed Turner Dr/
Classic Dr
Jackson Rd to N Beverly Hills Rd Widen to 4 Lanes $10,522
Springfield Rd Ext Corinth Rd to Evelyn Gandy Pkwy New 2 Lane Roadway $2,736
Oak Grove Rd/
Weathersby Rd
Lincoln Rd to US 98 Widen to 4 Lanes $8,154
Sims Rd James St/Old US 49 to Old River Rd Widen to 4 Lanes $9,469
Broadway Dr Ext W Pine St to Hall Ave New 2 Lane Roadway $1,954

Continuing Planning
A continuing transportation planning process is an important part of overall planning. It is
also an essential requirement for ensuring that the transportation system is serving travel
demand in an efficient and effective manner. In addition, an annual evaluation of the MTP
is required by the 3-C (Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive) Planning Process.
The City of Hattiesburg, as the technical staff for the MPO, is the agency responsible for
conducting continuing transportation planning. The process is coordinated with other local
and State planning activities through the Technical Committee and the Policy Committee.
Implementation of the MTP should be continually monitored to determine the need for any
necessary revisions in the program resulting from changes in urban development and travel
patterns that were not identified when the MTP was prepared. Maintenance of current
information on land use planning data and travel demand – and how they interrelate – will
permit a continuing evaluation of the transportation needs of the area. This continuing
transportation planning process will protect the local, State and Federal governments’
investments in necessary improvements. The continuing transportation planning process
should contain at least the following three steps:
1) Collect, maintain, and annually update key land use and planning data, system
characteristics and travel demand information. This MTP was prepared based on
specific land uses, population and socio-economic data. An annual update of this
data is essential to maintain an up-to-date transportation plan. Information should
be maintained and collected in order to update travel demands as they pertain to
the transportation system.
Information from the land use and planning data collection should be compared
with forecasts from this study to determine the continued validity of the projections.
Information concerning the use, capacity, finances, and level of service of the
transportation system should be maintained and collected periodically in order to
provide current knowledge of the total system operation for evaluation with respect
to future need and possible change.
2) Evaluate the current MTP. Based on updated data, annual projections of future
travel demands should be made. This data should be compared with projections
estimated in the original MTP. It must then be determined if the MTP needs revision.
3) Revise and update the MTP as needed based on new projections of travel demand,
the results of sample surveys, and current transportation system data.

Conclusion
The MTP provides a framework for rational implementation of transportation improvements
and programs to satisfy travel demand as the Hattiesburg MPA continues to develop and
grow into the future. The realization of the recommendations will require the continued
coordination and cooperation of local, State and Federal officials in making decisions
concerning the availability and use of transportation funds. Ultimately, the improvement of
transportation conditions in the Hattiesburg MPA and realization of the public’s vision will
depend on the degree of compliance with the MTP.

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) consists of two committees: the Policy
Committee and the Technical Committee. These committees are comprised of elected and
appointed decision-makers as well as technically qualified persons interested in transportation
planning. The City of Hattiesburg provides staffing functions for both committees.
POLICY COMMITTEE
The Policy Committee provides decision-making with regard to the approval and adoption
of transportation plans and programs. It is composed of the principal elected officials in the
metropolitan planning area and State and Federal transportation representatives.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
The Technical Committee reviews and evaluates the technical aspects of planning activities. It
is made up of local, State and Federal transportation planners, engineers and other technically
qualified persons with an interest in the existing and future transportation system.
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
“The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grant(s) from the
Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department
of Transportation, under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 [or
Metropolitan Planning Program, Section 104(f)] of Title 23, U.S. Code. The contents of
this report do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.”
We especially acknowledge the contributions of the many people of Forrest County and
Lamar County who took time to participate in the public involvement process and provided
insight into the needs of the traveling public.
Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization
2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

Hattiesburg final document

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