The MPO identifies issues through the planning process at various times that require a great level of study to fully understand the options and decisions necessary for later implementation. The studies focus on speaking with stakeholders, the general public, environmental groups, government officials, and locally elected officials to obtain feedback concerning the goals and objectives of the community and how different project possibilities can both solve the identified issue and be compatible with the community itself.

Access studies take a broad view at identifying and examining multiple corridors and the transportation options within each. This more comprehensive look at the region’s transportation context allows for the development of several corridor studies in one.

Corridor studies often examine matters related to the best way to reach a point, identify the possible modes to do so (rail, highway, mass transit, bicycle, pedestrian, etc) and then factor in the technical challenges, land uses, economics, and overall costs & benefits of the project. Finally, a corridor study will then identify the recommended physical route to fulfill the project’s goals.