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. Project lists were approved by CRTPO Board on August 16, 2023.
2026-2035 TIP Development Schedule (NCDOT Prioritization 7.0)
| Task | Anticipated Schedule |
|---|---|
| NCDOT P7.0 Project Submission Window | July 2023 – October 2023 |
| P7.0 Project List Public Comment Period | June 22, 2023 – July 22, 2023 |
| P7.0 Project List presented to TCC for recommendation | August 3, 2023 |
| P7.0 Project List presented to CRTPO Board for approval | August 16, 2023 |
| NCDOT Develops Quantitative P7.0 Project Scores | October 2023 – May 2024 |
| P7.0 Regional Impact Local Input Point Assignment Window | August 2024 – November 2024 |
| Draft 2026-2035 STIP Released | March 2025 |
| Draft 2026-2035 STIP Adoption Phase | March 2025 – May 2025 |
| Final STIP Approval | September 2025 |
Public Comment
A 30-day public comment period was held from June 22, 2023 through July 22, 2023, on all transportation modes project lists that were proposed for submission for NCDOT Prioritization 7.0. A summary of the public comments received are available here.
The CRTPO Board is anticipated to approve the submission of projects for all modes to NCDOT for scoring in Prioritization 7.0 during the Wednesday, August 16, 2023, meeting.
Residents may also comment on the proposed project lists in person during the CRTPO Board meeting on August 16, 2023. The meetings are held in Room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center beginning at 6 p.m. Please follow the process outlined on the Public Comments webpage to provide verbal comments during the CRTPO Board meeting. Those who wish to speak are required to sign up at least five minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
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