DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan 2055

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) is currently updating its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). DMATS updates its LRTP every five years as required by federal law. The LRTP maps out a long range vision for managing and improving the region’s transportation system over the next 30 years. This update will ensure that the plan meets current federal requirements and reflects the evolving transportation needs of the region. The updated LRTP is scheduled for completion by October 2026.

Draft Plan Review
The DMATS invites area residents to review and comment on the draft 2055 Long Range Transportation Plan. Draft chapters and appendices are available below. Public comments will help DMATS better understand community transportation needs and priorities before the plan is finalized.

Please use the Comment Form to provide feedback on the draft chapters. Submit comments by September 28, 2026.

Draft Chapters
01 Introduction and Vision
02 Community Profile
03 Community Engagement
04 Bicycle and Pedestrian
05 Passenger Transportation
06 Freight
07 Roads and Bridges
08 Travel Demand Model
09 Safety
10 Financial
11 Projects and Prioritization
12 Environment

Appendices
A DMATS LRTP Survey Results
B Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Table
C DMATS Model Employment Forecasting and Distribution Methods
D Detailed Financial Information

DMATS will offer more opportunities for public input throughout the planning process. Please check this page regularly for updates on future opportunities to get involved.

Plan Development Process
DMATS begins work on a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) update about a year and a half before it is adopted. The plan development process includes analyzing data, engaging residents and stakeholders, and drafting plan chapters.

DMATS staff prepare draft chapters and present them to the Technical Advisory and Policy committees for their review and feedback. Once the Policy Committee reviews and approves draft chapters, they are shared with the public and other interested agencies, such as the state departments of transportation, for additional review.

Approved draft chapters are considered a work in progress. DMATS staff collect and incorporate feedback on each chapter as they refine the plan. Near the end of the process, all chapters are compiled into a final draft plan, which is made available for a 45-day public review and comment period before the Policy Committee holds a public hearing and votes on adoption of the final LRTP.

DMATS Area
The DMATS planning area includes the city of Dubuque and surrounding communities and rural areas. In Iowa, this includes Asbury, Centralia, Durango, Peosta, and Sageville. In Illinois, it includes the city of East Dubuque. In Wisconsin, the planning area covers Jamestown Township, including the communities of Kieler and Sandy Hook. See the map of the DMATS region below.