Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan
Moving Swiftly to 2050: Grand Valley Regional Transportation Plan
The Regional Transportation Plan sets the path for the next 25 years.
Every five years the Regional Transportation Planning Office (RTPO) updates the region’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan. This important plan looks 25 years into the future to provide a strategic direction to improve the multimodal transportation network by linking a regional vision of projects to a long-term, financially realistic plan. During the planning process, the RTPO works closely with the community to develop a framework for a balanced multimodal transportation network that builds off the existing transportation system. This plan ultimately aims to address the mobility needs of Mesa County residents and those who may be traveling to, from, or through the region.
The final Moving Swiftly to 2050: Grand Valley Regional Transportation Plan was adopted on April 28, 2025 by the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee. The adopted plan can be viewed by clicking the links below to open the plan, chapter, or appendix in a new tab.
Communities in the Grand Valley will be connected through a safe and accessible transportation system that is designed, built, and maintained for users of all ages, and abilities who drive, walk, bike, roll, take transit, deliver freight, or travel by other modes.
Introduction Pages
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview
Chapter 2: Public and Stakeholder Engagement
Chapter 3: Trends and Forecasts
Chapter 4: Community Considerations
Chapter 5: Grand Valley Roadway Network
Chapter 6: Grand Valley Active Transportation Plan
Chapter 7: Grand Valley Freight Network
Chapter 8: Grand Valley Transit
Chapter 9: Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan
Chapter 10: Finance and Funding
Chapter 11: Greenhouse Gas and Transportation
Chapter 12: Implementing Transportation Goals
Appendix A: Full Roadway Project List
Appendix B: Full Transit Project List
Appendix C: Full Coordinated Human Services Transportation Project List
Appendix D: Access to Federal Lands in Mesa County
Appendix E: Project Prioritization Methodology
Appendix F: GVMPO Greenhouse Gas Transportation Report
Appendix G: Active Transportation Projects Completed Since 2045 RTP
Sources Cited
Goals
- Safety: Improve safety for all users of the region’s transportation system.
- Efficiency: Enhance system performance for all modes.
- Health and Environment: Incorporate health and environmental considerations into transportation planning and decisions.
- Economy and Fiscal Responsibility: Invest in transportation systems that support the economic health of the region.
- Community Considerations: Improve quality of life for all through transportation planning and improvements.
Interactive Maps
Future Transportation Projects
Shaped through community input, technical analysis, and collaboration with agency partners, the updated 2050 Regional Transportation Plan project list reflects what is required to meet immediate needs and prepare for the future while balancing priorities throughout the region. The final list of projects is divided into three categories:
- Priority Tier 1, Funded: These projects represent the region’s highest transportation priorities. These projects have identified funding based on projected federal, state, or local revenue.
- Priority Tier 2, Unfunded: These projects are also identified as critical regional transportation needs but currently lack identified funding sources. These projects may be activated if additional funding becomes available, or local governments may pursue alternative funding sources for these projects such as competitive grants.
- Aspirational: These projects represent long-term transportation needs. While not immediately prioritized, they are included to guide future planning.
Prioritized Active Transportation and Transit Corridors
Prioritized Active Transportation Corridors (ATCs) guide regional investments in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure. These corridors largely align with areas of concern already identified by local governments and public comments during the first outreach wave. It is encouraged that these corridors are updated to the latest bikeway, sidewalk, and trail design standards regardless of current infrastructure.
Prioritized recreational corridors are also shown. While these corridors may not require the same level of infrastructure, they could benefit from enhanced signage, safety improvements, and other interventions tailored to a rural setting.
Planning Process
Travel Demand Model
A critical tool used to develop the Regional Transportation Plan is the Mesa County Regional Travel Model (MCRTM). This model takes into account factors like where people live and the density of housing, where people work, and how people choose to travel (for example, car, walk, bike, bus). It analyzes how changes in population, employment, and land use affect the transportation network. Priority Tier 1 projects are incorporated into the MCRTM to see how they impact future travel and whether they help achieve the plan's goals. To compliment, the Greenhouse Gas Transportation Report that will be featured in the RTP, please learn more about the MCRTM by viewing our Mesa County Model Documentation (2024).
Partner governments, consultants working directly with partner governments, and members of the public may request outputs from the travel demand model including directional link volumes, vehicle miles traveled, volume/capacity ratios, and travel mode split by emailing rachel.peterson@mesacounty.us.
For archived plans or related information, please email rtpo@mesacounty.us.