NCDOT Prioritization 8.0 (P8.0) will develop the 2028-2037 TIP.
Background
Prioritization is NCDOT’s decision-making tool for developing the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), 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 8.0 (or P8.0) and will develop the CRTPO’s 2028-2037 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 P8.0 – (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, public transit, aviation, and rail 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 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
P8.0 NCDOT Project Scores and Local Point Assignment
P8.0 NCDOT Draft Project Scores and Local Point Assignment
NCDOT’s SPOT office released the DRAFT P8.0 2028-2037 TIP Scores on May 28, 2026. P8.0 Projects were categorized into one of three funding tiers (Statewide Mobility, Regional Impact, and Division Needs). The CRTPO assigned local input points for Regional Impact and Division Needs projects based on its local input points methodology.
Local Input Points from MPOs and NCDOT Divisions contribute to the final project scores for Regional Impact and Division Needs tier projects under P8.0 – (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
P8.0 Project Lists
P8.0 Project Lists (English PDFs)
P8.0 Project Lists (Spanish PDFs)
P8.0 Project Maps
P8.0 Project Maps (ArcGIS Online)
P8.0 Project Maps (PDF)
Local Input Points 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.
Local Input Points Public Comment Period
The CRTPO Board opened a public comment period on the proposed local input point assignment for Regional Impact and Division Needs projects for Prioritization 8.0 (P8.0) at its July 15, 2026 CRTPO Board meeting.
A 30-day public comment period, opened Thursday, July 16, 206 and concluded at 5:00pm on Friday, August 14, 2026.
This public comment period is the second part of developing the 2028-2037 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The CRTPO sought feedback on the allocation of Regional Impact and Division Needs transportation projects for Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties.
Highway, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian, rail, and transit projects are all represented on the lists and maps proposed for Regional Impact and Division Needs local input point assignment, and can be found below.
- Regional Impact highway projects consist of U.S. and North Carolina routes (i.e., US 21, US 521, NC 49, and NC 200); transit and rail projects.
- Division Needs highway projects consist of all secondary roads and federal-aid eligible local roads (i.e., Langtree Road, Ballantyne Commons Parkway, and Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road); bicycle and pedestrian, rail, and transit.
Public Comment methods
Residents were able to provide comments by email, regular mail, electronically, and verbally during the August CRTPO Board meeting.
P8.0 Project Submittals
The CRTPO will receive 34 project submittals within each mode in P8.0. Modes include Aviation, Bicycle and Pedestrian, Highway, Rail, and Public Transit.
CRTPO‘s project prioritization is linked to the development of its Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) because FHWA requires consistency in the projects that are included within an MPO’s MTP and TIP. Highway projects submitted for prioritization should be included in the project list for the MTP.
Carryover Projects
Carryover projects are automatically evaluated in the next cycle and do not count toward an organization’s submittal allotment.
Requirements:
- In the current STIP and not scheduled for delivery
- Have completed or active environmental documents
- Sibling of programmed projects
- Any committed projects (scheduled for delivery) that are currently included in the 2024-2033 STIP as of Jan. 1, 2025 (As of this time, there are no projects that meet this requirement.)
Holding Tank Projects
Holding Tank projects may be evaluated in the next prioritization cycle and do count toward an organization’s submittal allotment.
- Submitted in a previous Prioritization cycle (P5, P6, P7)
- Do not quality as a Carryover Project
New Projects
Highway Projects
Highway projects are selected based on the MTP highway project list. Within the most current MTP fiscally constrained project list are sorted using the following priority:
- MTP horizon year: Nearest horizon year receives the highest priority.
- MTP score: Projects will be sorted from highest MTP score as a secondary variable.
Non-Highway Projects
Non-Highway projects must be in an adopted plan prior to submittal.
P8.0 Project Lists and Maps
The CRTPO receives 34 project submittals within each mode. Projects should be in an approved plan prior to submission to NCDOT. Projects are categorized in each mode as Carryover, Holding Tank, or New Project. The CRTPO’s P8.0 project lists can be viewed within the links below by mode.
NCDOT UPDATE:
On August 12, 2025, NCDOT informed the CRTPO that it had completed a statewide analysis of carryover projects that were classified as a “sibling of a funded project in the 2026-2035 STIP” for all MPOs. This analysis determined that five projects currently included in the statewide carryover list are associated with sibling projects that have been completed and are no longer considered “funded.” As a result, these five projects will be removed from the carryover list.
One CRTPO affected project is SPOT ID: H090036-AB / TIP ID: I-4750AB which involves construction of one additional lane in each direction on I-77 from West Catawba Avenue to NC 150. This project will be removed from our carryover list. However, since this project is not included in the draft 2055 MTP Fiscally Constrained Project list, it will not be added to the CRTPO’s project submittal list for P8.0.
P8.0 Project Lists
The P8.0 project lists are below.
P8.0 Project Maps
Use the links below to access P8.0 Maps. The P8.0 project maps below are draft and may change.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data provided herein, the City of Charlotte makes no warranty regarding the reliability, accuracy, or completeness of the GIS data or the functionality of the GIS tool. Users should consult public primary information sources such as recorded deeds and plats to verify the accuracy of the data provided.
The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.
By using the maps below, the user acknowledges and agrees to these terms and conditions.
NCDOT P8.0 Public Comment Periods
NCDOT P8.0 Public Comment Period for CRTPO Project Submittals
A public comment period was approved by the CRTPO Board at their July 16 meeting. The public comment period opened on July 17, 2025 and closed on July 31, 2025, on all transportation modes project lists that are proposed for submission for NCDOT Prioritization 8.0. This includes projects for highways, bike and pedestrian facilities, public transit, rail, and aviation.
The CRTPO promoted the public comment period through multiple channels, including emails, press releases, newsletters, and. social media. Additionally, the comment period was featured in a WCNC-TV new story titled ‘Big transportation projects are in the works in the Charlotte area. Officials seeking public input.’ As a result of this story, the article directed 283 views to the CRTPO webpage. During the comment period, the P8 webpage received a total of 1,021 views. Additionally, the CRTPO received 36 comments during the July public comment period through its survey and email. The comments consisted of general comments about projects on the P8.0 lists, safety concerns, and other projects in the region not associated with P8.0. The public comment log is available using the following button.
Residents also had the opportunity to comment on the proposed project lists in person during the CRTPO Board meeting on August 20, 2025. The meetings was held in Room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center beginning at 6 p.m.
The CRTPO Board approved the submission of projects for all modes to NCDOT for scoring in Prioritization 8.0 during the Wednesday, August 20, 2025, meeting.
NCDOT Public Comment Period Summary
NCDOT Prioritization 8.0 / 2028 – 2037 TIP/STIP Development Public Comment Period Summary
The N.C. Department of Transportation accepted public comments from July 28 through August 29, 2025 on what projects residents would like to see in the 2028-2037 State Transportation Improvement Program on NCDOT’s website. Local NCDOT offices across the state also held drop-in meetings for the public to submit comments in person.
NCDOT Division 10 (Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Stanly, Union Counties) held a comment period drop-in from August 4 through August 8 from 8:00am until 5:00pm at Independence Transportation Park Office (12033 E. Independence Blvd., Suite G, Matthews, NC 28105).
NCDOT Division 12 (Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln Counties) held a comment period drop-in from August 18 through August 22 from 8:00am until 5:00pm at NCDOT Division 12 Office (1710 E. Marion St., Shelby, NC 28150).
2028-2037 TIP Development Schedule (NCDOT Prioritization 8.0)
| Task | Anticipated Schedule |
|---|---|
| NCDOT P8.0 Project Submission Window | July 2025 – September 2025 |
| P8.0 Project List Public Comment Period | July 17 – July 31, 2025 |
| NCDOT Public Comment Period: 2028-2037 Transportation Improvement Program Project Submittal list. | July 28 – August 29 |
| P8.0 Project List presented to TCC for recommendation | August 7, 2025 |
| P8.0 Project List presented to CRTPO Board for approval | August 20, 2025 |
| P8.0 Projects submitted to SPOT Office | September 30, 2025 |
| SPOT Office reviews and scores all projects submitted throughout NC | October 2025 – April 2026 |
| SPOT Office releases Quantitative Scores & Statewide Mobility Programmed Projects | May 28, 2026 |
| P8.0 Regional Impact Local Input Point Assignment Window | June 2026 – August 2026 |
| P8.0 Regional Impact Local Input Point Assignment Public Comment Period | July 16 – August 14, 2026 |
| CRTPO Board will be asked to endorse P8.0 Regional Impact Local Input Point Assignment | August 19, 2026 |
| SPOT Office releases Regional Impact Total Scores & Programmed Projects | September 2026 |
| CRTPO Board will be asked to endorse P8.0 Division Needs Local Input Point Assignment | August 19, 2026 |
| Division Needs Local Input Point Assignment window | October 2026 to November 2026 |
| P8.0 Division Needs Local Input Point Assignment Public Comment Period | July 16 – August 14, 2026 |
| Draft 2028-2037 STIP Released | Winter/Spring 2027 |
| Draft 2028-2037 STIP Adoption Phase | Spring/Summer 2027 |
| CRTPO Board Approves 2028-2037 TIP | TBD |
| Final STIP Approval | Summer 2027 |
*Future dates are preliminary and subject to change
Draft NCDOT 2028-2037 STIP Estimated Funding Availability
Estimated funding availability for the Draft 2028-2037 STIP for selecting projects from Prioritization 8.0 (P8.0). These are preliminary estimates that will change prior to developing the Draft STIP (the estimates are based on preliminary projections following the adoption of the 2026-2035 STIP). Changes will include, but not limited to:
- Variance adjustments (also known as the lookback law)
- Additional funding for ongoing activities
- Bid adjustments
- Cost changes for future projects
- Schedule changes
- Changes in anticipated revenues (including federal transportation re-authorization)
These numbers are a best-case scenario. The amounts will change and likely decrease.
Draft 2028-2037 STIP Estimated Funding Availability for Selecting Projects from Prioritization 8.0
As of May 28, 2026
| STI Funding Category | Eligible Counties | Funding Availability ($ in Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Mobility | All | $1,665M* |
| Region E (Divisions 8 & 10) | Chatham, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Scotland, Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Anson | $246M* |
| Region F (Divisions 11 & 12) | Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga, Wilkes Surry, Yadkin, Iredell, Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, and Cleveland | $432M* |
| Division 10 | Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Anson | $97M* |
| Division 12 | Iredell, Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, and Cleveland | $47M* |
*Number is an estimate and subject to change.
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 STIP, 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
How STI Works
The State Transportation Investments law established the Strategic Mobility Formula, which allows the N.C. Department of Transportation to efficiently invest its transportation dollars by using a data-driven scoring process along with local input.
As outlined below, the Strategic Mobility Formula funds projects in three categories: Division Needs, Regional Impact and Statewide Mobility.
Statewide Mobility
40% of Funds
Projects compete across North Carolina
Focus = Addressing significant congestion and bottlenecks
Score = 100% Quantitative Data
Statewide Mobility Eligible Projects
Highway
- Interstates (existing & future)
- National Highway System
routes - STRAHNET: Strategic Highway Network, system of roads deemed necessary for emergency mobilization and peacetime movement of personnel and equipment to support U.S. military operations
- Designated Toll Facilities
Aviation
- Commercial service airports included in the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) that provide international passenger service or 375,000 or more enplanements annually
Rail
- Freight Service on Class-I
- Railroad Corridors
- Grade Separation
Regional Impact
30% of Funds
Projects compete against other projects in their region. CRTPO includes NCDOT Region E and Region F.
Focus = Improving connectivity within Regions
Score = 70% Quantitative Data + 30% Local Input
Funding based on population within each Region (7 NCDOT Regions)
Regional Impact Eligible Projects
Highway
- Other US and NC Routes
Public Transportation
- Service spanning two or more counties
Rail
- Rail service spanning two or more counties not in Statewide
Division Needs
30% of Funds
Projects compete against other projects in their division. CRTPO includes Division 10 and Division 12
Focus = Addressing local needs
Score = 50% Quantitative Data + 50% Local Input
Funding based on equal share for each Division (14 NCDOT Divisions)
Division Needs Eligible Projects
Highway
- All Secondary Roads
- Federal-Aid Eligible Local Roads
Aviation
- All Airports without Commercial Service (General Aviation)
Bicycle and Pedestrian
- All projects ($0 state highway trust funds)
Public Transportation
- All other service, including terminals and stations
Rail
- All other service, including terminals and stations (no short lines)
Glossary
Horizon Year = When a project is anticipated to be open to the public.
MTP = Metropolitan Transportation Plan
NCDOT Divisions 10 = Division 10 is comprised of Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Stanly, Anson Counties.
NCDOT Divisions 12 = Division 12 is comprised of Iredell, Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, and Cleveland Counties.
NCDOT Region = North Carolina is divided into 14 regions – referred to as highway divisions – in which the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Highways distributes the duties of building and maintaining state-owned bridges and highways.
NCDOT Region E = Region E is comprised of Division 10 and Division 8. NC Counties include Division 8: Chatham, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Scotland and Division 10: Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Anson.
NCDOT Region F = Region F is comprised of Division 12 and Division 11. NC Counties include include Division 11: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga, Wilkes Surry, Yadkin and Division 12: Iredell, Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, and Cleveland.
Prioritization = 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.
Programming = A process required under Federal statute and regulations (23 CFR Part 450) for developing a staged, prioritized, fiscally constrained, multi-year, intermodal program of projects for funding, consistent with the long-range transportation plan. States and local laws may also impose programming requirements that have to be coordinated with the federal effort.
STIP = A staged, multiyear, statewide intermodal program of transportation projects which is consistent with the statewide transportation plan and planning processes and metropolitan plans, TIPS and processes.
STRAPHNET = Strategic Highway Network
TIP = The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) identifies the transportation projects and strategies that CRTPO and NCDOT plan to undertake over the next ten years. All projects receiving federal funding must be in the TIP. The TIP is the region’s way of allocating its transportation resources among the various capital and operating needs of the area, based on a clear set of short-term transportation priorities.