Content Editor ‭[3]‬

Content Editor ‭[2]‬

Content Editor ‭[1]‬

Transportation Plans

Transportation Plans & the Agencies Involved

Now that you understand the types of transportation projects, let’s discuss the different types of transportation plans and the different agencies that are responsible for developing those plans. There are state, regional and local agencies responsible for those transportation projects and plans that you can engage with.

NCDOT

NCDOT is responsible for building and maintaining North Carolina’s state-maintained transportation system. The department has proposed, planned and on-going projects across North Carolina supported by divisions, each of which are dedicated to different modes of travel: Aviation, Rail, Ferry, Highways, Public Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian, State Ports and Freight.

NCDOT relies on the priorities of local and regional agencies to help prioritize funding for needed projects. These agencies include municipalities, regional transit agencies and planning agencies called Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or MPOs, and Rural Planning Organizations, or RPOs

These agencies provide a point of contact for you to get involved and truly shape the transportation system in your area and throughout the state

Municipalities & Transit Agencies

Municipalities and transit agencies often develop their own plans and fund projects, for which your input is needed. These projects can range from roadway improvements on local streets to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure or proposed transit improvements. If you notice an issue or problem, reach out to your local planner or engineer to discuss your concern with them. You can also visit your local municipality or transit agency website to find out how you can get involved.

Did you know North Carolina is unique in that all 100 counties are served by some form of transit? Transit agencies have their own projects and planning processes that provide opportunities for public input.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or MPOs, represent urban areas of 50,000 or more residents and make transportation plans and policies at the regional level. They are responsible for making decisions about federal transportation funding and developing long-range plans and they rely on public input to help guide transportation decisions in and around your community. In North Carolina, there are 19 MPOs. Find an MPO in Your Area

Rural Planning Organizations

Rural Planning Organizations, or RPOs, serve the counties not represented by the MPOs. Like MPOs, RPOs help to guide the transportation planning process and provide opportunities for public participation. RPOs provide a forum for public participation in the transportation planning and implementation process and provide transportation related information to local governments and the public.

Which Agencies Manage Which Plans

Click below to learn which agencies are responsible for the each type of transportation plan.

Type Of Transportation Plan

Managing Agency

Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan

SLRTP

State DOT

State Transportation Improvement Program

STIP

State DOT

Comprehensive Transportation Plan/
Metropolitan Transportation Plan

CTP/MTP

State DOT

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Rural Planning Organization (RPO)

Transportation Improvement Program

TIP

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Public Involvement, Transit, Bicycle, Pedestrian & Corridor Plans

Various

State DOT

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Rural Planning Organization (RPO)

Transit Agency