The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) is seeking public input for the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) update.

Residents are encouraged to attend a “community listening session” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Darien Library.

— an announcement from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments

WestCOG consists of 18 member municipalities. It is dedicated to preserving and improving the quality of life and economic vitality in western Connecticut.

Each regional municipal group in the WestCOG region prepares a Long-Range Transportation Plan every four years, a prerequisite for federal transportation funding.

— You can learn more about the LRTP process here.

The LRTP covers a 25-year study period and serves as a guide for developing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, and reliable, thereby contributing to a higher quality of life for the region’s residents.

Development of the LRTP

During the development of the LRTP, many topics are studied to better understand emerging demographic and transportation trends in the WestCOG region.

Understanding these demands allows the region to identify short and long term investments that will enhance the transportation system.

Based on findings from the data analysis, as well as feedback from the public and municipalities, the LRTP will develop investment strategies to guide transportation improvements.

These strategies will be fiscally-constrained and will be phased over a 25-year period.

We Want to Hear From You!

WestCOG is kicking off the public engagement process by hosting a series of listening sessions across the region to meet with residents who are interested in the transportation system.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend these information sessions to discuss the LRTP and other transportation topics.

• What’s working well with the transportation system in your community or the region?

• Are there transportation barriers or mobility issues that prevent people from getting where they need to go?

• Are there transportation needs that you’ve heard from people of color, people with low incomes, older adults, youth, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency?

• What changes or trends are occurring that might affect the transportation system and how you use it?

• What opportunities for improving the transportation system do you see now or in the near future?