The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) creates a long-range plan every five years. This plan covers a period of over 25 years and anticipates future transportation needs. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is essential for accessing federal funds and outlines key objectives, visions, growth projections, planning strategies, and regional transportation initiatives.
The MTP analyzes current trends related to natural assets, the performance of the transportation system, priority planning areas, and future regional influences. It proposes measures to improve travel reliability, address air quality issues, protect the natural environment, and promote a sustainable quality of life. Ultimately, this plan guides decisions on which transportation projects should be prioritized and implemented in the short-term Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which covers a four-year period.
Convey 2050: The Waco Area Metropolitan Transportation Plan
According to the vision statement adopted by the Waco MPO Policy Board, the Convey 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) aims to promote inclusive regional development. It seeks to make our community physically healthy, economically prosperous, equitable in accessible mobility, technologically advanced, and resilient. The plan focuses on enhancing our capacity to address the climate crisis while preserving our natural resources throughout all stages of life. By engaging in strategies based on community input and a thorough understanding of performance metrics, we can ensure a safe and accessible McLennan County.
Download 2050 Convey Metropolitan Transportation Plan with Appendices
View Convey 2050: Waco Area MTP Story Map
Amendments
Recommendation Improvements (Appendix G)
Includes the list of recommended improvements adopted by the Waco MP Policy Board on January 23, 2025, and modifications to the list resulting from subsequent amendments to Convey 2050: The Waco Area Metropolitan Transportation Plan (2050 MTP).
Connections 2045: The Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Every five years, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is required by federal law to adopt a long-range regional transportation plan for the Waco region. "Connections 2045: The Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)" outlines the future transportation needs for the Waco area through the year 2045 and identifies priority projects to address these needs. The MTP is fiscally constrained, meaning it only includes projects that 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) outlines transportation projects for which funding has been secured. This allows for the initiation of engineering studies, right-of-way acquisition, construction, or project implementation during the fiscal years 2023 to 2026. All projects that utilize federal highway or public transportation funds must be included in the TIP. Additionally, every project listed in the TIP must have a formal commitment for all required funding from a reliable source within the TIP timeframe. The previous TIP for 2021-2024 was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on May 19, 2022. Annual Project Listings (APLs) are organized under their corresponding TIPs.
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 comply with the requirements of the Federal Surface Transportation Act—specifically the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) produces an annual list of projects that have received federal highway or transit funding within the Waco Metropolitan Area during each fiscal year. This list also compares the amount of funds allocated in the current Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with the 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.
2026 - 2027 UPWP
2024 - 2025 UPWP
2022 - 2023 UPWP
2020 - 2021 UPWP
The MPO created a thoroughfare plan in 2012 to preserve highway corridors for McLennan County's development for the next 50 years. The plan aims to help identify projects for future MTPs.
The 2024 Waco MPO Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) was created with funding from the FY 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program. This plan includes a ten-year analysis of collisions within the MPO's planning area and identifies related safety projects. The initial version of the CSAP was adopted by the Waco MPO Policy Board on April 29, 2024, and an expanded version was approved on June 20, 2024.
- Chapter 1 - Executive Summary and Introduction(PDF, 5MB)
- Chapter 2 - Countywide Collision Trends(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 3 - Existing Planning Efforts(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 4 - Engagement & Collaboration(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 5 - Safe Street Toolkit(PDF, 5MB)
- Chapter 6 - Individual Jurisdiction Chapters & Recommended Safety Projects(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 6.1 - City of Bellmead(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.2 - City of Hewitt(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 6.3 - City of Lacy Lakeview(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6.4 - City of McGregor(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6.5 - City of Robinson(PDF, 3MB)
- Chapter 6.6 - City of Waco(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6.7 - City of Woodway(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 6.8 - Unincorporated McLennan County(PDF, 4MB)
- Chapter 6.8.1 - City of Beverly Hills(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 6.8.2 - City of Bruceville-Eddy(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 6.8.3 - City of Lorena(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 6.8.4 - City of Riesel(PDF, 1MB)
- Chapter 7 - Equity Considerations(PDF, 2MB)
- Chapter 8 - Implementation, Monitoring, & Funding Opportunities(PDF, 2MB)
- Appendices A-L(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
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
The Waco Transit System and the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) conducted a feasibility study to explore the possibility of developing a rapid transit corridor for Waco and its surrounding communities. The purpose of establishing this rapid transit corridor is to enhance mobility for residents and improve access to jobs, social services, and educational facilities. This study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on April 19, 2018, and by the Waco City Council on May 1, 2018.
McLennan County Transit Need Study
As McLennan County's urban and rural areas continue to evolve, so do the transportation needs of its residents. To assess these needs for both residents and travelers in the County, the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in partnership with Waco Transit, conducted a Human Services Public Transportation Needs Study. The goal of this study is to ensure that public transportation services adequately meet the needs of the County, particularly for individuals with limited transportation options due to disabilities, age, or income status. The findings from the study will assist the Waco MPO and Waco Transit in planning for the current and future public transportation needs of both the County and the larger Region. The Transit Needs Study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on June 21, 2018.
US Business 77 Corridor Study
The US Business 77 Corridor Study focuses on the state highway known as US Business 77 in McLennan County, Texas. This study examines the highway from the Brazos River to the Interstate Highway 35 interchange at mile marker 342, just south of the Village of Elm Mott. Different sections of this roadway are referred to by various names, including LaSalle Avenue, South Loop Drive, North Loop Drive, Dallas Highway, and Lacy Drive.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) investigated the possibility of reconstructing the US Business 77 roadway to reduce the number of lanes and structures along the corridor. This reduction aims to lower long-term maintenance costs for the facility. Additionally, the MPO evaluated design alternatives that could promote economic redevelopment in the neighborhoods adjacent to the corridor. The MPO Policy Board adopted this study on November 3, 2016.
Waco Downtown Transportation Study
This study provides a comprehensive overview of strategies aimed at enhancing pedestrian connections, improving wayfinding, upgrading roadways and intersections, and facilitating access to and around downtown. It addresses the demands for access and circulation, evaluates the benefits of one-way versus two-way traffic systems, considers the potential growth of Baylor University, and explores the integration of multimodal transportation options. Additionally, the study focuses on pedestrian connectivity and the development of complete streets.
This plan aligns with the economic and livability goals for Greater Downtown Waco and represents a significant step toward better linking residents to the places they wish to visit 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 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has created a regional Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) to establish data-driven strategies aimed at reducing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries throughout the MPO planning area. Enhancing transportation safety is a primary focus for the MPO. The Policy Board adopted the 2024 Waco MPO CSAP on April 29, 2024.
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
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’s “Six to Fix” project, funded by $1.2 M in federal funds through the FY 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program, aims to implement temporary, low-cost safety improvements at six high-crash locations to test innovative strategies for improving safety for all road users. Community feedback and data from these demonstrations will help guide long-term safety investments across the region.
Project Locations:
- La Salle Avenue Corridor (Waco)
- S Valley Mills Drive & Dutton Avenue/Memorial Drive (Waco)
- Be Kind Coffee Parklet on Washington Avenue (Downtown Waco)
- Loop 340 (Bellmead)
- Loop 340 & US 77 (Robinson)
- Hewitt Drive (Hewitt)
Current Status:
The project is currently in the design and engagement phase. Toole Design Group, the lead consultant, conducted site audits and public engagement in June 2025 and will return in September to continue outreach. Installations will begin in a rolling manner in 2026, with data collection starting in late fall as early demonstrations are completed.
Learn more and share your feedback at the project website: Six to Fix: Waco MPO Safety Demonstration Projects.
FY 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All - Supplemental Planning & Demonstration Projects
The Waco MPO was awarded $800,000 through the FY 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program to support a countywide traffic sign inventory and assessment across McLennan County. This award will be used by the McLennan County for inventory signage in key locations with high crash risk identified through the development of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP), evaluation of the existing signage and need, the introduction of signage to address these needs. A focus will be placed on employing low-cost, high-impact signage improvements that can be implemented throughout the MPO's planning area to produce sustainable positive safety outcomes.
Current Status:
The MPO is currently coordinating with member governments and McLennan County to determine participation interest and finalize local match commitments. While the grant has not yet been executed, the MPO expects to do so in the near future. Once executed, an RFP process will be launched to select a qualified consultant team to conduct the inventory and develop GIS-based tools and safety recommendations.
Other FY 2024 SS4A Awards in Waco MPO Planning Area:
The City of Robinson was awarded $9.6 million in funding to implement safety strategies on West Moonlight Drive, Old Robinson Road, Robinson Drive/US-77, Peplow Drive, and Tate Avenue, which are in the northern portion of the city. The project will address the safety issues of speeding, low nighttime visibility, and hit-object collisions affecting pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. The corridors are all on the high-injury network and some are near schools.
The City of Bellmead is awarded $7.7 million in funding to improve safety on Bellmead Drive & Concord Road. Both roads serve as primary east-west arterial and collector streets and provide access to a nearby primary school. The corridors lack safe facilities for people walking and biking, have low visibility, and insufficient lighting. The corridors do not have safe pedestrian connections, and infrastructure components such as pull-out bus stops, speed-feedback signs and pavement markings are in bad condition throughout. The Bellmead Drive portion of the project will install medians, access management, street lighting, parking lanes, bus stops, pedestrian (sidewalks and crosswalks), speed feedback signs, and other measures. The Concord Road portion of the project is to install speed feedback signs, striping improvements (minor street pavement markings, centerline, and edge lines), sign improvements, and street lighting
FY 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Proposal
The Waco MPO has submitted a proposal for FY 2025 SS4A grant funding to support "Every Student, Every School: Context-Sensitive Safe School Mobility Solutions," a countywide planning and demonstration initiative to improve safety around school zones in McLennan County. The project aims to develop tailored safety strategies based on school typologies—such as rural highways, suburban arterials, and neighborhood streets—and pilot test low-cost, high-impact safety interventions in real-world settings.
If awarded, the initiative will include revisions to the MPO’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, targeted stakeholder engagement, pilot installations at high-priority schools, and the development of a best practices guide to support long-term scalability. The project emphasizes equity by focusing on historically underserved communities, and integrates land use context, innovative technologies, and stakeholder collaboration to support sustainable improvements in school-area safety.
Proposed School Typologies:
- Urban Off-System 20 MPH
- Urban On-System 30/35 MPH
- Suburban Off-System 20 MPH
- Suburban On-System 30/35 MPH
- Exurban On-System 30 MPH
- Rural On-System 25/30/35 MPH
- Cluster Schools
- Repurposed Private Schools
- Charter Schools
The outcome of the grant application is pending. If funded, planning and stakeholder coordination will begin immediately upon award, with pilot demonstrations starting in Years 1–2 and final reporting and adoption by the MPO Policy Board by the end of Year 3.
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. The program has since been renamed the "BUILD" program. The plan will establish a scalable, equitable framework for deploying connected and intelligent transportation systems throughout the region, beginning with a nine-mile demonstration corridor along Taylor Street, Franklin Avenue, Spur 298, and US-84.
Current Status:
The grant agreement has been executed. The MPO conducted a qualifications-based selection process and received six responses to its RFQ. The top three scoring firms were interviewed, and the MPO is currently in contract negotiations with the highest-ranked consultant. Project work is expected to begin in late 2025 following contract execution.
FY 2024 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant
The MPO was awarded $1.44m in federal funding through the FY 24 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) discretionary grant program with $100 million appropriated annually for fiscal years (FY) 2022-2026.
The SMART program was established to provide grants to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Stage 1 grants will deploy a combination of different technology areas to address specific challenges.
Smart Technologies for Businesses, Students, and Transit: Equitable Access in Mobility Systems for Stage One. This includes scalable plans and demonstrations that aim to prove that next-generation, integrated technology can reduce interaction costs across various transportation typologies urban contexts. This project will use AI Edge sensors and MobiMaestro algorithms to improve pedestrian, bike and transit usage, VRU safety, and human scale access to businesses in Waco downtown.
Current Status:
The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization executed its FY24 SMART Stage 1 grant in July 2025 for this project. The grant proposal was developed in close collaboration with TNL Mobility USA, explicitly incorporating their proven technology and expertise. As such, there was no separate competitive procurement process for this technology partner.
Waco MPO is currently working toward finalizing contract details with TNL Mobility USA in alignment with grant requirements and expectations. Once contracts are executed, the project will proceed with system deployment, community engagement, and operational testing to achieve measurable improvements in pedestrian prioritization, micro-mobility safety, transit signal priority, and overall multimodal traffic efficiency.