Study conducted by MassHighway in association with:
Berkshire Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO)

Brochure prepared by:
Berkshire Regional
Planning Commission (BRPC)

Improving access in the north-central Berkshire area has been talked about for over forty years. At issue are many aspects of life in the region, and there are many different strongly held viewpoints. The goal of the North-Central Berkshire Access Study is to identify the alternative ways to improve access in an open process, analyze the ones that best meet criteria developed with public review, and result in one or more recommendations on how to address the problems. The recommendation could be:

• no change
• minimal changes
• new road or road improvements
• new transit services or freight transportation lines
• some combination of minor built improvements, use of technology, and changes in policies
• your idea….

"Hasn't This Been Studied Before?"

Sort of, but...

The North-Central Berkshire Access Study is the first comprehensive, in-depth analysis of access issues north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. The current study also differs from other previous work in how it is organized. Federal transportation regulations required a Major Investment Study (MIS).

An MIS provides the information needed to make a decision when a major transportation investment is proposed that may involve federal funds. An MIS defines the problems, evaluates a variety of solutions, and results in one or more recommendations. The viewpoints of all who want to participate are considered. Public participation takes place at all major points through the process. The results are taken into consideration by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which ultimately decides which transportation projects get selected for available federal funding.

Here in Berkshire County there have been various proposals over the years for some kind of a by-pass road around Pittsfield and perhaps Lee. This is what initiated the North-Central Berkshire Access Study. The current study, however, is not just about roads. As an MIS, this study also considers alternative modes and technologies as potential solutions. It addresses mobility and transportation needs in Berkshire County and develops alternative solutions that are economically and environmentally viable.

The MPO agencies agreed to undertake this study in 1996. A general scope and organization for the study was agreed upon in early 1998. The Technical Steering Committee first met in July, 1998 to start more specific work. The study is currently underway and has an expected completion date of Summer, 2000.

Overview of the Study

Set up the study process & allow everyone to review it
Propose the steps to do the study. This includes a plan
on how to incorporate all significant viewpoints.

Clearly define the problems & goals
Defining the problems to be addressed and the goals helps focus the range of possible solutions.

Gather, screen, & evaluate solutions (alternatives)
With input and review by the community throughout:

• Identify a wide range of alternatives
• Screen to a manageable number of alternatives for in-depth analysis
• Evaluate the impacts and benefits of the screened set of alternatives

Recommend alternative to MPO
Members of the community work together to prepare a
recommendation for the study report.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) acts
Members of MPO (see next panel) will consider the study
recommendation and vote on what to include in their Transportation Plan. MPO agency staff are involved
throughout the study.

Environmental review is done if required
If the chosen alternative will have environmental impacts,
an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment is required. This may involve revision of
engineering plans to minimize their impacts. The
process is shortened because it uses the MIS results
to document consideration of other alternatives.

The alternative is funded, designed, and implemented
Improved access is the result of everyone's efforts.

The goal of the public participation process is to have a well-informed public which contributes to decisions in a meaningful way. Reasonable effort will be made to reach consensus, but consensus is not required.