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If it seems California’s traffic congestion, polluted air and water, endangered fish and wildlife, and increased land consumption is bad now, wait until 2026: The state’s population is projected to increase by 10 million to 18 million people during the next 25 years — mostly in the coastal areas, but also in the Central Valley, and Riverside and San Bernardino counties.



Clearly, California needs a plan to address the undesirable impacts of increased travel demand. That’s why the state, under the leadership of its Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and in conjunction with regional partners, is developing a 20-year California Transportation Plan (CTP).



The idea: to present a vision for California’s future transportation system and strategies for serving the population. The CTP also would serve as a framework for linking state, regional and local transportation plans, and would include roadways, rail, transit, seaports, airports, bikeways and pedestrians.



Earlier this year, the development team held focus groups around the state, conducted a telephone survey, and printed and distributed a brochure with questionnaire. Currently, team members are holding workshops.



A draft CTP is scheduled to be delivered to the state administration by December.