Prioritization 7.0 (P7.0)
2026-2035 TIP Development
Background
Prioritization is NCDOT’s decision-making tool for developing the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is a listing of projects to be delivered within an upcoming ten-year work program. The STI legislation has created a high degree of collaboration between NCDOT and MPO’s in the development of their Transportation Improvement Program every two years through the Prioritization process. The current round is known as Prioritization 7.0 (or P7.0) and will develop the CRTPO’s 2026-2035 TIP.
CRTPO is involved in the nomination of projects for scoring by NCDOT, and the application of local input points based on its methodology. The NCDOT-Strategic Prioritization Office of Transportation (SPOT) leads this process by providing oversight to MPOs, RPOs, and Divisions throughout the state as well as scoring the projects.
Local Input Points from MPOs and NCDOT Divisions contribute to the final project scores for Regional Impact and Division Needs tier projects under P7.0 – (see STI legislation for more details). Projects with higher final scores have a greater chance of being programed into the TIP based upon the STI legislation.
CRTPO is eligible for allocating the following amount of local input points:
• 2,500 for Regional Impact category projects
• 2,500 for Division Needs category projects
Projects of all modes, including highway, bicycle/pedestrian, transit, and others are scored based on a combination of quantitative data and local input. The quantitative evaluation consists of criteria such as congestion and safety, and analyzing project benefits compared to cost, as well as expected economic impacts. Local input comes from the priorities of the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and NCDOT Division Offices through their adopted local input point methodologies. The CRTPO’s most recent local input point methodology can be viewed here.
Additional information can be found on NCDOT’s Strategic Transportation Investments webpage
Project List and Maps:
The CRTPO’s project inventory lists can be viewed within the links below by mode. The CRTPO receives 49 project submittals within each mode.
2026-2035 TIP Development Schedule (NCDOT Prioritization 7.0)
| Task | Anticipated Schedule |
|---|---|
| NCDOT P7.0 Project Submission Window | July 2023 – September 2023 |
| NCDOT Develops Quantitative P7.0 Project Scores | July 2023 – May 2024 |
| P7.0 Regional Impact Local Input Point Assignment Window | August 2024 – November 2024 |
| Draft 2026-2035 STIP Adoption Phase | December 2024 – February 2025 |
| Final STIP Approval | August 2025 |
Local Input Point Methodology
The STI legislation requires that MPOs in North Carolina must develop an adopt a methodology for assigning its local input points as part of the NCDOT Prioritization process.
The methodology must contain two criteria (one must be qualitative) for determining project prioritization. In addition, the methodology must contain a public engagement strategy during the local input points process that is consistent with the MPO’s Public Involvement Plan.
The CRTPO’s adopted Local Input Points Methodology for NCDOT Prioritization 5.0 can be viewed here.
STI Legislation
Passed in 2013, the Strategic Transportation Investments law allows the NCDOT to use its funding more efficiently and effectively to enhance the state’s infrastructure while supporting economic growth, job creation, and a higher quality of life. This process encourages thinking from a statewide and regional perspective while also providing flexibility to address local needs.
STI also establishes the Strategic Mobility Formula, which allocates available revenues based on data-driven scoring and local input. It is used to develop NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program, which identifies the transportation projects that will receive funding during a specified 10-year period.
The STI Legislation (§ 136-189, Article 14B) can be viewed here