SACRAMENTO – In an effort to improve community outreach and strengthen California’s interregional transportation system, Caltrans is seeking ideas from the public on how to improve transportation between regions of the state.

“California’s population is projected to grow to 50 million people in the next decade and a half, highlighting the need to not only preserve existing transportation infrastructure but also to invest in new transit modes that move ever-increasing numbers of people and goods,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “We’re asking the public to share ideas about how to improve interregional travel in a way that is safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient.”

The purpose of the forthcoming “Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan” is to identify the best ways to invest in interregional transportation corridors to strengthen California’s economy and livability while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Regions around the state have been adopting new “sustainable communities’ strategies” that shift investments to provide greater mobility choice.

Meanwhile, the state must seek to improve interregional travel in a sustainable way that integrates well with these regional strategies.

For highways, the state will apply a “complete streets” approach where highways are designed to improve all modes of transportation.

For rail, the state will explore improved integration of rail systems, including the high-speed rail system, to better serve interregional travelers.

Caltrans also will look at the interregional systems of trails and bikeways, and where those can be improved to support active transportation.

A recently released California Household Travel Survey revealed that, statewide, 23 percent of household trips are made via non-car transportation, more than double than 10 years ago.

As part of the upcoming public outreach, Caltrans will host five 2014 public workshops and a webinar to solicit input and feedback on how to draft a modern transportation plan for interregional corridors. After incorporating public feedback, Caltrans will write a draft document for further public comment in February 2015.

FRESNO WORKSHOP - Wednesday, Nov. 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Caltrans District 6, Manchester Office
Yosemite Room
2015 E. Shields Ave., Suite 100
Fresno, CA

WEBINAR - Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Please go to www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/oasp/itsp.html for further information. The event will also be posted here for viewing afterward.

SACRAMENTO WORKSHOP - Wednesday, Nov. 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
California State Railroad Museum – Stanford Room
125 I St.
Sacramento, CA

REDDING WORKSHOP - Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Caltrans District 2 Office
West Venture Lassen Training Room
1031 Butte St. #118
Redding, CA

SALINAS WORKSHOP - Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Salinas Cesar Chavez Library
615 Williams Rd.
Salinas, CA

FONTANA WORKSHOP - Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Caltrans District 8, Fontana Office
Management Center Independent Assurance Bldg.
13970 Victoria St.
Fontana, CA

Providing safe mobility for all users — including pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists and motorists—supports the mission of Caltrans to “Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California's economy and livability.”

In an effort to increase the construction of multimodal local streets and roads, Caltrans recently endorsed National Association of City Transportation Officials guidelines that include innovations such as buffered bike lanes and improved pedestrian walkways.

Additional information on the “Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan” can be found at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/oasp/itsp.html , where the public can also submit written comments and ask questions.