The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is inviting public input on their upcoming 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for the 2028-2037 period. The department’s ambition is to elevate safety, unclog our roads, and to further economic development across the state. NCDOT will be making its funding decisions based on the Strategic Transportation Investments law formula, according to a statement obtained by the NCDOT. This process ideally combines statistical modeling and direct comments from North Carolinians to best allocate resources to transportation infrastructure projects.
From now until August 29, individuals can submit their project proposals through an online survey or by visiting NCDOT offices for drop-in sessions throughout the state. The projects can range from substantial undertakings like interstate enhancements, to more localized improvements such as the addition of a new turn lane. Suggestions can address any of NCDOT's transport modes, which include highway, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian, ferry, public transportation, and rail. However, this call is not for routine maintenance issues such as potholes, resurfacing, or ditches, which are handled through a separate process.
In addition to canvassing public opinion, NCDOT will gather recommendations from regional transportation planning bodies and department staff. This multifaceted approach seeks to ensure a final list of projects that resonate with community needs and state objectives. By spring 2026, NCDOT aims to release project scores and a preliminary list of projects tagged for funding under the Statewide Mobility tier, which is the initial stage of a three-tiered prioritization strategy.
Public feedback won’t be confined to this single opportunity; more chances to voice opinions on Regional Impact- and Division Needs-level projects are slated for later in 2026. After these comprehensive rounds of consultation and analysis, the draft for the 2028-2037 STIP should be unveiled early in 2027. The Board of Transportation is expected to give its final nod of approval during the summer of that same year.
