Corridor Planning Guidebook

Step by Step Guidance

The sections that follow provide detailed guidance for each of the five process steps shown below, as well as for public and partner agency engagement which is included in each step.

	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3	Step 4	Step 5
Step	Pre-Planning	Background and Context	Existing and Future Conditions Assessment	Potential Solutions	Implementation Plan
Primary Tasks	Clarify Study Purpose to Inform Scope of Work	Document Project Background and Context	Analyze Existing and Future Conditions and Assess Gaps, Issues, and Opportunities	Develop and Evaluate Alternative Solutions	Identify Next Steps
Data and Analysis Needs	Observable/ lookup	Observable/ lookup	Detailed Analysis	Detailed Analysis	Documentation
Collaborators	MnDOT Internal	MnDOT and Consultant	MnDOT, Consultant, Partners	MnDOT, Consultant, Partners	MnDOT, Consultant, Partners
Public and Agency Engagement

Steps 

Step 1. Pre-Planning

The tasks within Step 1 clarify the corridor plan’s purpose and inform the scope of work. This task is expected to be completed by MnDOT. Staff are encouraged to document brief responses to each question based on current knowledge and understanding and initial conversation with project partners. Items that are unknown may be incorporated into the scope of work for further investigation.

Step 2. Background and Context

Step 2 tasks support an understanding of the corridor and its broader context prior to conducting detailed data collection and analysis. This includes reviewing past studies, plans, and projects; describing the land use, built environment and community demographics; and describing the roadway functions and features, including the Complete Streets Transportation Hierarchy assessment.

Task 2 is where a consultant’s work typically starts. It begins with a kickoff meeting and preparing a Public and Agency Engagement Plan.

Step 3. Existing and Future Conditions Assessment

The existing and future conditions guidance is based on four of the six SMTP objectives: Transportation Safety, System Stewardship, Climate Action, and Critical Connections. The other two SMTP objectives – Open Decision Making and Healthy Equitable Communities – are integrated into each topic. The guidance describes each topic, where or how to obtain data or qualitative input, how to analyze it if needed, and how to report the results. The results, including qualitative input from communities, should be documented in a technical memorandum or report, with supporting data and graphics as needed.

Step 4. Potential Solutions

Step 4 tasks identify potential solutions to address the needs and opportunities identified in previous steps. Solutions are defined holistically, to include policy, operations and management, and infrastructure improvements. Step 4 consists of the following items: solutions development; evaluation and refinement; developing cost estimates; and incorporating public and agency engagement. Step 4 concludes with reporting of the evaluation results.

Step 5. Implementation Plan

Step 5 identifies next steps and commitments based on the evaluation conducted in Step 4. It helps pair the evaluation findings with funding practicalities and jurisdictional responsibilities. Key topics include cost estimates, champions and partners, commitments, funding status and sources, timing, and priorities. Commitments documented in the plan should be based on specific discussions with staff, such that they can become part of the formal implementation process.

Public and Agency Engagement

Engaging with members of the public and with partner agencies is an expectation for every corridor plan, with engagement activities occurring throughout the planning process and scaled to the specific corridor.