In 2012, the N.C. Board of Transportation adopted an updated long-range transportation plan to help guide North Carolina’s future transportation investments. Called the
2040 Plan, the document provides a 30-year transportation blueprint for the state.
While not project specific, the 2040 Plan stipulates that the N.C. Department of Transportation’s highest priorities are ensuring safety, preserving existing transportation systems, and focusing on services and facilities with statewide significance. The plan further calls for the state to invest in initiatives that promote economic opportunities and allow increased flexibility at the local level.
This comprehensive two-year effort included identifying statewide transportation systems’ resources and needs and working with local governments to identify local transportation needs, all to ensure that North Carolina’s transportation systems remain safe and are less congested and freight keeps moving to enhance the state’s economy. Estimating funding availability over the next 30 years, as well as potential funding sources to help meet the state’s needs, were also part of the 2040 Plan.
The 2040 Plan was prepared by combining technical analysis and public outreach. Detailed information about technical activities that took place during the development of the 2040 Plan can be found in the following reports:
Public Input
Over the course of the 2040 Plan process, an extensive public involvement program sought the input of a variety of stakeholders, including members of the public, elected and appointed officials, and community groups located throughout the state.
As part of this public input process, the study team conducted three surveys to gather input on the plans and processes of the study. These three surveys garnered more than 8,600 responses from a diverse group of North Carolinians throughout the state. The input received from these surveys provided the study team with valuable input from the public and many suggestions were incorporated into the 2040 Plan. To view the summaries from each of the three surveys, download a copy by clicking on the links below.
Additional Plan Documents