Feb. 14, 2025 -- Residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties will have the opportunity in coming months to advise a regional transportation planning group on transportation priorities for the next 20 years, and spending priorities through 2055.

The Lackawanna-Luzerne Metropolitan Planning Organization will update its 20-year regional long-range transportation plan. The plan will serve as a blueprint for decision-making on transportation projects and as a spending plan through 2055.

The MPO will conduct a series of open houses in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, at which residents may voice their views on transportation priorities. Relevant of the Lackawanna and Luzerne county governments, their transit agencies, PennDOT and consultant Michael Baker International will attend the sessions to explain the process and receive public commentary.

Planning goals for transportation in the region are to improve safety, mobility, and the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure in economic development.

The open house schedule:

Lackawanna County: Friday, Feb. 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Lackawanna County Center for Public Safety, 30 Valley View Dr., Jessup.

Luzerne County: Thursday, Feb. 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Luzerne County Operations Center, 1199 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming; and Monday, March 3, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Butler Township Community Center, 411 W Butler Dr., Drums.

Participants may attend any open house, regardless of their place of business or residence.

The Lackawanna/Luzerne Metropolitan Planning Organization is a regional transportation planning body serving Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. It determines how all federal and state highway and bridge funds are allocated. Staffing for the MPO is provided by the Lackawanna County Department of Planning, and the Luzerne County Planning and Zoning Office. Its website is https://llts.mpo.com.