We routinely leverage our resources to meet the transportation planning needs and priorities of our member agencies and local communities. We accomplish this by completing studies internally or through consultant services. We typically pursue planning activities that address transportation safety, reliability, access to basic needs, and walking and bicycling. Many of these initiatives stem from recommendations in our countywide long-range Transportation Plan – Moving Dutchess Forward – or through a formal request by a member agency or municipality.
Visit our Planning Studies Map to easily reference the locations of our published transportation studies.
Beacon-Hopewell Rail Trail Feasibility Study
This study will determine the feasibility of constructing a rail trail along the MTA’s Beacon Line: an inactive rail corridor that runs between the Hudson River in Beacon and the hamlet of Hopewell Junction in East Fishkill. Visit the study website to learn more, and read our Existing Conditions Report (.pdf) / Appendices (.pdf), and Draft Recommendation Report (.pdf) / Appendices (large file size) (.pdf) for more information.
Route 9 / 9D Signal Study
We are currently working on a traffic signal optimization study for 19 intersections on Routes 9 and 9D in Southern Dutchess. The study will identify ways to adjust signal timings and/or better coordinate signals to improve traffic flow on these two critical corridors.
City of Poughkeepsie Speed Limit Reduction Study
We recently completed a citywide speed limit study for Poughkeepsie, assessing the appropriateness of lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph. This included a look at existing land use, travel patterns, speeds, volumes, crashes, and other factors to determine appropriate speed limits. We presented our findings to the Common Council in early 2025 and the City is exploring next steps. Please see the study materials for more information: Speed Limit Reduction Guidance memo (.pdf), Methodology and Results memo (.pdf), and associated maps (.pdf).
Safety Assessments
A Safety Assessment is a formal examination of an existing or planned transportation facility (road, intersection, sidewalk, or trail) by an independent, multi-disciplinary Safety Assessment Team. Safety Assessments evaluate potential issues and identify solutions that improve safety for all types of travel. Safety Assessments answer these basic questions:
1. What elements of the facility present a safety concern? To what extent, to which types of transportation, and under what circumstances?
2. What opportunities exist to eliminate or mitigate identified safety concerns? Are there low-cost solutions or countermeasures that would improve safety?
Since 2012, we have completed a series of assessments on high-crash county and local roads and intersections (see the Safety Studies on our Publications Page). Recommendations typically address reducing vehicle speeds, stabilizing road shoulders, reducing horizontal and vertical curvatures, and improving sight distances and signage. We identify locations based on crash data and input from local agencies and municipalities. If you have a road or intersection you would like us to consider, please call or email us.
