Connected 2050
Connected 2050 is East-West Gateway’s latest Long-Range Transportation Planning effort. Check back here for the latest updates in the planning process and ways to get involved.
What is a Long-Range Transportation Plan?
East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) is responsible for developing the St. Louis region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). This plan sets EWG’s vision and priorities for the St. Louis transportation system including highways, bridges, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes, and serves as the framework for regional transportation decision-making and investments. This document is updated every four years and must balance technical needs, budgetary constraints, and public desires.
Think Like a Region, Grow as a Region
The name for our LRTP is Connected 2050. We chose this name on purpose. Our region is connected by the roads on which we drive, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. When we chart a path into the future that has the best interests of the whole region, everybody benefits. In our hyper-connected world, we can go further together than we could apart. Taking the long view at the health of our systems will help us build and maintain a thriving quality of life for years to come.
What is included in Connected 2050?
Policy Direction. The region has been working under a set of 10 Guiding Principles for more than a decade. A lot has changed since those were adopted. We will review and revise them to ensure that transportation planning decisions are meeting today’s and considering tomorrow’s needs. Click the button below for more information.
System Performance Tracking. A State of the System Report, which includes data on pavement and bridge conditions, transit fleet and infrastructure conditions, crashes, safety, congestion/ delays, and demographic changes, is published as part of Connected 2050. This report helps ensure the investment decisions we make are solving problems as intended.
Transportation Equity Assessment. As part of the Connected 2050 planning process, a Transportation Equity Assessment was completed. This assessment examines how past investments and policy decisions created disparities in transportation outcomes today and proposes recommendations for making sure future dollars create the most benefit for everyone in our region. Click the button below for more information.
Project Evaluation and Selection Process. The process to evaluate and select projects included in Connected 2050 will be updated to align with the revised Guiding Principles.
Project Lists. We will work with our partner agencies to determine future available funding through 2050, and to develop a list of transportation projects that align with our revised Guiding Principles and fall within that budget. Also included are additional projects that could be brought into the plan if more funding becomes available.
Air Quality Conformity Analysis. To ensure the projects included in Connected 2050 will not adversely affect the air quality standards we are striving to meet, a conformity analysis will be completed.
Engagement. 
Your input is important to our planning process. The fabric of our region is beautiful and diverse, and there will be opportunities for all voices to be represented. There will be a variety of in-person and virtual events, in addition to surveys, questionnaires, informative videos, focus groups, and more. Check back regularly to stay aware of what’s happening as we develop the LRTP. Click the button below for more information.
