Six Statewide Transportation Goals

Statewide Transportation Vision, Goals, & Recommendations

Our Vision: Washington’s transportation system safely connects people and communities —fostering commerce and economic opportunity for all, operating seamlessly across boundaries, and providing travel options to achieve an environmentally and financially sustainable system.

2040 and Beyond is based on the Legislature’s six statewide goals established in RCW 47.04.280 that relate Economic Vitality, Preservation, Safety, Mobility, Environment and Health, and Stewardship.  

These six statewide goals have been in place since 2006 and are well integrated into RTPO and MPO policy plans, local Comprehensive Plans, and WSDOT implementation plans. They provide a good foundation for ensuring consistency between statewide policy objectives and the day-to-day decisions and investments carried out by local, regional, and state partners.

The overall aim of these statewide goals is to:

  • Make the best use of existing infrastructure, services, and resources.
  • Increase safety and efficiency while keeping life cycle costs as low as possible.
  • Increase travel choices, system reliability, and person throughput.
  • Align transportation policies and investments to support statewide economic, societal, and environmental objectives.

Recommendations are characterized as “near-term” and “long-term” actions. Near-term actions are those which should be initiated within the next four years – the life of this plan – while long-term actions may require more time to initiate. Implementation of specific recommendations will be determined by the legislature and other transportation partners through established and on-going processes.

Click through the links below to explore the six goals individually, with policies and recommendations that support each goal statewide, or use the index on your side bar.