| This study focuses on transportation decision processes that drive modal outcomes. A conceptual planning model is developed from existing literature and used to examine major Colorado transportation projects.; Due to increasing travel demands, major Colorado highway corridor users experienced severe congestion and high accident rates during the 1990s. In their pursuit of transportation solutions, government, community, business, and special interest groups formed coalitions to realize various goals. The composition, function, motivation, and effectiveness of these coalitions differed across the case studies.; An analysis of planning theory indicates that coalitions comprised of government, business, and special interest groups would be the most influential in major urban decision-making. The literature also indicates that coalitions of the past perpetuated reliance on the automobile and thus shaped our urban and suburban environments. This in turn furthered automobile dependence.; To better understand Colorado transportation decision-making processes, the study included an examination of three major transportation projects. Archival research uncovered the chronology of events, significant decisions, and major actors influencing the modal outcome. Interview research delved into the "inner workings" of the decision processes. The research evaluated the factors that most influenced decision-making, including regulatory framework, transportation corridor needs, government institutions, cost and funding, business and special interests, and the public involvement process. The power relationships of the government-business-special interest group coalitions were also examined.; The case studies validated the hypothesis that these coalitions drive modal outcome. However, the study revealed that the composition and motivation of the coalitions varied significantly as did the modal outcome. In two of the cases, government transportation officials acted with little direct involvement of business and special interest groups. The study also found that the power relations functioning within the coalition differed from case to case.; The research sheds light on planning theory, confirming that regimes of different construct and function vary in their influence. The study also informs planning practitioners of the "inner workings" of coalitions that control major urban decisions. The study findings help practitioners anticipate modal outcomes and possibly guide decisions toward solutions that are more sustainable for our communities. |
