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The South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization recently released a draft version of its long-range transportation plan, which covers the years from 2011 to 2040.

The plan is designed to serve as a blueprint for transportation investments in eight Connecticut cities governed by the South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA):  Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

“The plan serves as a guide for developing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, and reliable,” SWRPA officials said in an executive summary. “[It] identifies key projects and strategies necessary to keep the system in a state of good repair, and denotes initiatives required over the near term that are required to meet the projected increases in volume expected across all transportation modes.”

Rail projects cited in the plan include the rehabilitation of key rail bridges in five areas; positive train control work on MTA Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line; service improvements on Metro-North’s Danbury and New Canaan branches; catenary upgrades; replacement of the Stamford Transportation Center parking garage; enhancements to the Glenbrook and Springdale stations; platform extensions and improvements at various stations; and a rail parking study for New Canaan Station.

Among SWRPA’s goals for the plan:
• ensure transportation equipment and facilities — including highways, bridges and transit systems — are maintained in a state of good repair;
• maintain and expand options for the movement of goods and people;
• enhance the integration and connectivity of transportation systems and modes for people and freight;
• increase the safety and security of all modes; and
• minimize or mitigate any negative environmental impacts posed by transportation projects and systems.