MPO kicks off FY2024–28 TIP cycle; towns report progress on multimodal and safety projects

The Cape Cod MPO launched development of the FY2024–28 Transportation Improvement Program, reviewing schedule and priorities and hearing project readiness updates from staff.

Colleen Medeiros, Transportation Program Manager for the Cape Cod Commission, outlined the TIP schedule (kickoff, project selection in March, draft in April, public comment and potential MPO endorsement in May) and explained the region’s funding buckets: regionally prioritized funds, statewide-priority funds and FTA transit funding. She reminded members that projects must meet readiness guidelines and financial-constraint rules to be programmed.

Staff reviewed the status of projects already programmed for 2023 and earlier, and then summarized both funded and newly eligible projects for 2024–28. Programmed and eligible projects highlighted included Harwich Route 28 reconstruction and a 25% design public hearing; Harwich sidewalks to Soguasetucket Harbor; Yarmouth–Barnstable rail-trail extension (100% design underway and a bridge component that needs structural work); Provincetown Changpainter Road (transformative Route 6 complete-street project, currently at ~25% design and behind schedule); Bourne Rail Trail phases (phase 1 and phase 4, with phase 4 cost estimate around $6 million); a Barnstable Route 132 corridor project (estimated cost over $26 million, still at feasibility/early engineering); Mashpee Route 151 corridor (phase 2); and smaller intersection and rotary retrofit projects across the region.

Members asked for project numbers and details (Pam Hasner and Kevin Galligan discussed Mashpee rotary design and connections to shared-use paths; staff provided project number 610928). Staff warned that programmed project cost estimates have not been updated for inflation or final design and that funding figures for 2028 will be available next month. Staff said they will return with project scoring and updated financials to inform March selection.

The presentation served as a technical kickoff; no programming decisions were made at the meeting. Staff will provide updated cost estimates, funding tables and project evaluation scores at future meetings to support TIP programming and ensure financial constraint.