The Strategic Highway Corridors concept stems from the practice of long-range systems planning. Since the 1960s, systems planning studies have been conducted in local and regional areas throughout North Carolina. These studies have been valuable, and have helped communities understand growth and better plan for transportation improvements. However, study recommendations typically stop at planning area borders, which are usually just beyond city limits or county boundaries. In addition, decisions made in the project development and planning process typically focused on the limits of the project itself. NCDOT has lacked a broader, statewide vision for how to ensure continuity and consistency for travel flow between these planning areas, communities, and in the development of projects, as illustrated in graphic below. The Strategic Highway Corridors concept represents the first step towards "connecting the dots" and promoting a more consistent transportation service for North Carolina's citizens.

The development of this concept began in 2002 and has continued to evolve over time into an important statewide initiative. From the beginning, the concept was shaped by sound technical criteria, planning and operational considerations, significance of historical studies, and the establishment of relevant goals and future applications. Work centered on the need for NCDOT and its stakeholders to consider planning from a broader perspective, with a specific focus on maximizing the mobility of "core" highway facilities within North Carolina's transportation system.