BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation is asking residents and stakeholders across northeastern North Carolina to provide input on transportation projects they would like to see included in the agency’s next 10-year transportation plan for 2028-2037.
The public comment period, which runs through Friday, Aug. 29, offers an opportunity for communities in NCDOT Division 1 to help shape the future of transportation infrastructure in the region. Division 1 encompasses the counties of Tyrrell, Hyde, Washington, Chowan, Perquimans, Bertie, Camden, Pasquotank, Currituck, and Dare – an area that faces unique transportation challenges due to its coastal geography, rural character, and seasonal tourism demands.
How to Participate
Residents and stakeholders can submit project suggestions through:
- Online Survey: A short, interactive survey available on NCDOT’s website at https://publicinput.com/ncdot-stip
- Drop-in Sessions: Weeklong drop-in sessions at NCDOT offices across the state, including Division 1 locations serving northeastern counties. The drop-in session is from 8AM to 5PM Aug. 7-8 at the NCDOT Division 1 Office, 113 Airport Drive, Edenton. Individuals can contact Engineer Chris Slachta at 252-482-1872 or email cslachta@ncdot.gov
- Local Planning Organization Input: NCDOT will also collect input from regional transportation planning organizations throughout the area
The public comment period runs through Friday, August 29, 2025. Community members, local officials, business leaders, and all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this important planning process.
Strategic Investment in Rural and Coastal Communities
With a goal of increasing safety, reducing congestion, and promoting economic growth, NCDOT uses data and local input to determine which projects receive funding in the 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The process is guided by a specific formula created by the Strategic Transportation Investments law, allowing NCDOT to use its funding more efficiently to enhance North Carolina’s infrastructure while supporting job creation and improving quality of life.
Types of Projects Under Consideration
Projects (available to view at https://publicinput.com/ncdot-stip#tab-67045 ) eligible for consideration can range from large-scale improvements to smaller, targeted enhancements and can address any of NCDOT’s six modes of transportation:
Highway Projects
- Interstate and highway improvements
- New turn lanes and intersection improvements
- Rural road connectivity enhancements
- Hurricane evacuation route improvements
Specialized Transportation Modes
- Ferry System: Critical connections for coastal and island communities
- Aviation: Support for regional airports serving both residents and tourism
- Public Transportation: Rural transit services connecting communities
- Rail: Freight and passenger rail improvements
- Bicycle and Pedestrian: Safe walking and cycling infrastructure, particularly important for tourism areas
The comment period is not for routine maintenance projects such as patching potholes or resurfacing, which NCDOT prioritizes through a separate process.
Three-Tier Prioritization Process
The strategic prioritization process operates on three levels:
- Statewide Mobility Projects: Large-scale projects with statewide significance (results expected spring 2026)
- Regional Impact Projects: Projects serving multiple counties or regions (public comment period summer 2026)
- Division Needs Projects: Locally important projects specific to Division 1 and other divisions (comment period fall/winter 2026)
Looking Ahead
Following the current public input period, NCDOT will work through its data-driven prioritization process:
- Spring 2026: Release of project scores and statewide mobility project list
- Summer 2026: Public comment on regional impact projects
- Fall/Winter 2026: Public comment on division-level projects
- Early 2027: Release of draft 2028-2037 STIP
- Summer 2027: Adoption by the Board of Transportation
Community Impact
The input gathered during this comment period will directly influence which transportation projects receive funding over the next decade. For northeastern North Carolina, this represents an opportunity to address long-standing infrastructure needs while positioning the region for future economic growth and improved quality of life.
Projects selected through this process will support the region’s diverse economy, improve safety for residents and visitors, and ensure that rural and coastal communities remain connected to opportunities throughout North Carolina.