Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) develops a long-range plan every five years. The long-range plan, spanning over 25 years, anticipates future transportation needs. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) facilitates access to federal funds and outlines objectives, visions, growth projections, planning strategies, and regional transport initiatives. The analysis of current trends in natural assets, transportation system performance, planning emphasis areas, and the regional future influences proposed measures to enhance travel reliability, mitigate air quality issues, preserve the natural environment, and foster a sustainable quality of life. Ultimately, this plan informs decisions regarding which transportation projects should be prioritized and implemented in the short-term Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which spans four years.
Convey 2050: The Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Per the MTP vision statement adopted by the Waco MPO Policy Board, the Convey 2050 MTP will serve as a catalyst for inclusive regionalization that seeks to make our community physically healthy, economically prosperous, equitable in its accessible mobility, technologically up to date, and resilient while enhancing its ability to tackle the climate crisis and preserve its natural assets across all life stages. Engaging in strategies which are grounded in community input and involvement and a broad understanding of performance metrics will lead to a safe and accessible McLennan County.
Development Process
The development of Convey 2050 follows the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) 3-C Process, which is characterized by its emphasis on analysis that is cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive. This method promotes collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and transportation experts, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. Continuity is maintained through the integration of past plans and ongoing projects, providing a cohesive framework for future initiatives. Comprehensive analysis involves a thorough examination of transportation needs, environmental impacts, and community priorities to inform strategic decision-making.
The seven steps of development for the Convey 2050 include:
- Brainstorming the Approach and Scope
- Public Listening Session
- Regional Visioning Work Session
- Projection Evaluation Framework Development and Call for Proposals
- Project Solicitation and Evaluation
- Public Meetings
- Finalize the 2050 MTP
2050 MTP Call for Proposals
Connections 2045: The Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Every five years, the MPO is required by federal law to adopt a long-range regional transportation plan for the Waco region. Connections 2045: The Waco MTP outlines future transportation needs for the Waco area through the year 2045 and identifies priority projects to address those needs. The MTP is fiscally constrained to only include those projects than can be realistically funded by the year 2045. Connections 2045 was adopted by the Waco MPO Policy Board on January 17, 2020.
Cover and Table of Contents(PDF, 418KB)
Section 1 - Introduction(PDF, 256KB); Section 1 Maps(PDF, 564KB)
Section 2 - Guiding Principles(PDF, 65KB)
Section 3 - Geography and Demographics(PDF, 719KB); Section 3 Maps 3.1 to 3.9(PDF, 9MB) and Maps 3.10 through 3.19(PDF, 7MB)
Section 4 - Modal Inventory(PDF, 701KB); Section 4 Maps(PDF, 6MB)
Section 5 - Needs and Gap Analysis(PDF, 2MB); Section 5 Maps(PDF, 6MB)
Section 6 - Revenue Forecasts(PDF, 140KB)
Section 7 - Recommendations(PDF, 370KB); Section 7 Maps(PDF, 3MB)
Section 8 - Public Involvement(PDF, 178KB)
Appendix A - Policy Board / Technical Committee Members(PDF, 33KB)
Appendix B - Project Evaluation Criteria(PDF, 157KB)
Appendix C - Comments and Public Feedback(PDF, 4MB)
Appendix D - Public Survey(PDF, 2MB)
Amendments
- Amendment 1(PDF, 1MB) to the 2045 MTP – Adopted June 18, 2020
- Amendment 2(PDF, 1MB) to the 2045 MTP – Adopted June 17, 2021
- Amendment 3(PDF, 2MB) to the 2045 MTP – Adopted May 19, 2022
- Amendment 4(PDF, 365KB) to the 2045 MTP - Adopted September 21, 2023
- Amendment 5(PDF, 247KB) to the 2045 MTP - Adopted January 18, 2024
- Amendment 6(PDF, 270KB) to the 2045 MTP - Adopted June 20, 2024
Supporting Information
VIDEO: Watch a presentation on the Draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) (closed captioning available)
2045 MTP Display Maps & Boards(PDF, 11MB) (May 2019 kickoff meetings)
The 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) identifies transportation projects for which funds have been committed thus authorizing engineering studies, right of way acquisition, construction, or project implementation between fiscal years 2023 and 2026. All projects using federal highway or public transportation funds must be identified within the TIP. All projects identified in the TIP must have a formal commitment for all necessary funding from some source during the TIP timeframe. The 2021-2024 TIP was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on May 19, 2022. Annual Project Listings (APLs) are listed under their associated TIP.
2025-2028 TIP
2023-2026 TIP
2021-2024 TIP
- 2021-2024 TIP(PDF, 4MB) – Adopted June 18, 2020
- 2021 Annual Project Listing(PDF, 365KB)
- 2022 Annual Project Listing(PDF, 414KB)
- Amendment 1(PDF, 2MB) – Adopted January 21, 2021
- Amendment 2(PDF, 3MB) – Adopted June 17, 2021
- Amendment 3 (Administrative)(PDF, 2MB) Appendix G – Update of Regional Performance Targets & Review of TIP Programming to Achieve Targets – May 2021
- Amendment 4 (Administrative)(PDF, 2MB) - June 30, 2021
- Amendment 5 (Administrative)(PDF, 2MB) - August 20, 2021
Supporting Documents
Annual Project Listing
To meet the requirements of the Federal surface transportation act: Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST), and the infrastructure and Jobs Act, the MPO produces the following list of projects for which federal highway or transit funds were obligated within the Waco Metropolitan Area during each fiscal year. This list also provides a comparison between the amount of funds programmed within the current TIP and obligations made for specific projects.
To view earlier versions of the TIP, please contact the MPO at 254-750-5650 or MPO@wacotx.gov
To view project information and phasing for TxDOT managed projects in the Waco MPO region. Search for keyword Waco-MPO.
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) serves as the operating budget for the Waco MPO and identifies the work tasks intended to be accomplished and the estimated costs to complete these tasks. It also identifies how federal highway and transit planning funds are intended to be used. Annual Performance and Expenditure Reports (APERs) are listed by fiscal year under their associated UPWP.
2024 - 2025 UPWP
2022 - 2023 UPWP
2020 - 2021 UPWP
The MPO developed a thoroughfare plan in 2012 to help preserve highway corridors for McLennan County's development up to 50 years into the future. The plan is intended to assist in the identification of projects for future MTPs.
The 2024 Waco MPO Comprehensive Safety Action Plan(CSAP) was developed with funding awarded under the FY 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program. The plan includes ten years of collision analysis for the MPO's planning area and identifies related safety projects. The CSAP was adopted by the Waco MPO Policy Board on April 29, 2024.
- Chapter 1 - Executive Summary and Introduction(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 2 - Countywide Collision Trends(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 3 - Existing Planning Efforts(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 4 - Engagement & Collaboration(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 5 - Safe Street Toolkit(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6 - Individual Jurisdiction Chapters & Recommended Safety Projects(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6.1 - City of Bellmead(PDF, 5MB)
- Chapter 6.2 - City of Hewitt(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.3 - City of Lacy Lakeview(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.4 - City of McGregor(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.5 - City of Robinson(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 6.6 - City of Waco(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 6.7 - City of Woodway(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.8 - Unincorporated McLennan County(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 7 - Equity Considerations(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 8 - Implementation, Monitoring, & Funding Opportunities(PDF, 1MB)
- Appendices A-K(PDF, 8MB)
The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was adopted by the Policy Board on July 18, 2019 (Resolution 2019-5).
Purpose
- To identify policies, programs, and infrastructure projects to support non-motorized modes as a viable transportation option for shorter trip purposes.
- The plan serves as a resource for member governments to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian elements into roadway construction and maintenance; provides a menu of potential best practices, policies, outreach and educational activities to promote walking, rolling, and biking; and identifies regionally significant priorities for potential inclusion into the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and for federal or state funding eligibility.
- The plan's recommendations are framed in the context of the Six Es, a concept borrowed from the League of American Bicyclists and Safe Routes to Schools.
- The Six Es include: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation and Planning, and Equity.
- Download the Active Transportation Plan(PDF, 13MB)
- Map of Active Transportation Plan Recommendations
Maps
Waco Cycling Map
Bicycle Suitability Maps
Education & Encouragement
Safety
Local Advocacy Groups
Blog Posts
Enforcement, Evaluation & Planning
Ordinances
Design Guidance
Committees
Fort Worth to Laredo High Speed Transportation Study
A study is currently underway to examine the potential for high-speed transportation options to connect Fort Worth, Waco, Killeen / Temple, Austin, San Antonio, and Laredo presented to the Waco MPO on November 21, 2019:
Waco Area Rapid Transit Corridor Feasibility Study
Waco Transit System and the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) conducted the Waco Area Rapid Transit Corridor Feasibility Study to investigate, analyze, and determine the feasibility of developing a rapid transit corridor for citizens of Waco and surrounding communities. The purpose for implementing a rapid transit corridor is to offer residents enhanced mobility and to provide improved access to jobs, social services, and educational facilities. This study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on April 19, 2018 and the Waco City Council on May 1, 2018.
McLennan County Transit Need Study
As the Urban and Rural areas of McLennan County continue to change so do the transportation needs of its residents. To evaluate the needs of McLennan County residents and those who travel through the County, the Waco MPO in partnership with Waco Transit conducted a Human Services Public Transportation Needs Study. The purpose of the study is to ensure the provision of public transportation services is meeting the needs of the County to fullest extent possible, especially for individuals with limited transportation options due to disabilities, age or income status. The study will help the Waco MPO and Waco Transit take the necessary steps to plan for the current and future public transportation needs of the County and the Region. The Transit Need Study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on June 21, 2018.
US Business 77 Corridor Study
The US Business 77 Corridor Study covers the state highway facility known as US Business 77 within McLennan County, Texas. The extent of this study covers this facility between the Brazos River and the Interstate Highway 35 interchange at mile marker 342, just south of the Village of Elm Mott. Portions of this facility are also known as LaSalle Avenue, South Loop Drive, North Loop Drive, Dallas Highway and Lacy Drive. The MPO studied whether the US Business 77 roadway facility can be reconstructed such that the number of lanes and structures along the corridor can be reduced, thereby reducing the long-term maintenance costs of this facility. In addition, the MPO considered design alternatives that may serve as a catalyst for economic redevelopment of the neighborhoods along the corridor. This study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on November 3, 2016.
Waco Downtown Transportation Study
This study presents a high level overview of strategies to strengthen pedestrian connections, improve wayfinding, improve roadways and intersections, and enhance access/egress to and around downtown. The study addresses access and circulation demands, one-way versus two-way circulation, Baylor University potential growth, integration of multimodal options, pedestrian connectivity, and complete streets development. This plan supports desired economic and livability visions for Greater Downtown Waco and is an important step in better connecting people to the places they want to go in the City of Waco. The study was completed in February 2014.
The Waco MPO is committed to pursuing competitive grant funding opportunities for various transportation and infrastructure projects across McLennan County. These grant programs aim to address critical infrastructure needs, promote innovation, enhance safety, and improve the resilience and sustainability of our transportation system. Grants received by the Waco MPO provide a unique chance for stakeholders in McLennan County to actively participate in shaping the future of our region.
FY 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning Grant
The Waco MPO developed a regional Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) to outline data-driven strategies to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries across the MPO planning area. Improving transportation safety is a top priority for the MPO. The 2024 Waco MPO CSAP was adopted by its Policy Board on April 29, 2024. The plan can be found on the Planning and Programs page.
The Comprehensive Safety Action Plan includes:
- An analysis of recent crash trends and contributing factors based on crash data
- Emphasis areas and priorities for safety improvements
- System-wide safety countermeasures and location-specific project recommendations
- Coordination across jurisdictions within the MPO region
- Performance measures to track and monitor progress toward reducing fatalities and serious injuries
The plan offers a proactive approach for addressing safety concerns on all public roads in the area. Recommendations provide a framework for investing in safety projects through programs such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).
WacoMPOSafeStreets.com
Project Area
The project area encompasses the entirety of McLennan County.
Urban areas are shaded orange within the project area.
Collision History
The map below shows collisions that occurred in the Waco MPO region from January 2014 to December 2023.
Directions:
- Navigate the map to find collision hot spots.
- Use mouse wheel or provided buttons to zoom in and out.
- Pan by selecting the map or using your device's touch screen.
- Collisions are color-coded to correspond to collision severity.
- Click the interactive legend button in the top right corner to view the map legend which shows the color for each collision severity.
- Click on the arrows at the bottom-right of the map to expand the interactive map in new window.
- Use the interactive legend to view collisions of each severity. Select each collision for more details.
- Coding for each data field
For any comments or suggestions relating to possible future plan updates, please provide feedback through the Community Engagement page.
FY 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Demonstration Grant
The Waco MPO was awarded $1.2 M in federal funds through the FY 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program. These funds will be used for six safety demonstration projects across Waco, Hewitt, & Bellmead. Future updates will be posted on the progress of these projects as they become available.
FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE)
The Waco MPO was awarded $4.8 million in federal funds through the FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. This award will be used to develop plans for a nine-mile smart corridor along US 84 in Waco and Woodway. Future updates will be posted on the progress of this plan as they become available.