Content Editor ‭[3]‬

Content Editor ‭[2]‬

Content Editor ‭[1]‬

NCDOT Project Phases

How an Idea Becomes a Transportation Project

Public input is a vital part of the project development process at the N.C. Department of Transportation. This section shows you the transportation decision-making process in seven basic phases. These will help you understand what activities and decisions help move a project from an idea to a reality.

It is important to get involved with a project early and often. Public input is the fuel that drives a project forward. Be a voice in your community by understanding the processes in place to make sure projects meet the needs of the area."

During Phase 1, regional and local agencies are responsible for developing different types of plans that guide transportation decisions and projects. NCDOT develops a statewide long-range transportation plan every 10 years. Read the current plan.

Phase 1 of 7

Planning

How decisions are made about which projects will be built in the future

In the planning phase, NCDOT works with regional and local agencies to develop a long-range transportation plan that looks at the multimodal transportation needs and priorities of a community over 20 to 30 years. Project proposals to meet the identified needs are first developed in these plans. The proposals are checked to ensure they meet the transportation needs and community vision that includes consideration of the natural and human environment.

Public meetings and surveys are common methods for public input during this phase.

Phase 2 of 7

Prioritization and Programming

How transportation projects are prioritized and funded

Identified transportation projects are evaluated and scored approximately every two years through the Strategic Prioritization process. The top scoring projects are selected for inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which is NCDOT’s 10-year construction funding and scheduling plan. Projects that did not score high enough can be resubmitted in the next Prioritization cycle.

Phase 3 of 7

Project Development

How potential alternatives are studied and chosen

After a project is funded, the project undergoes environmental studies to look at the community and environmental resources in the proposed project areas and examine any potential impacts. The design and traffic engineering studies are also prepared in this phase to analyze proposed alternatives. The alternatives are studied to see if they safely, efficiently and economically meet the transportation needs in the project area while causing minimal impact to community resources such as homes, churches, historical sites and wetlands.

NCDOT will inform the public about the proposed project and uses feedback from the public, and public agencies, to determine where and how proposed projects should be built.

Phase 4 of 7

Design

How ideas are turned into transportation projects

NCDOT determines how a project will be built using information gathered from previous phases. During the final design phase, detailed plans for the project are prepared.

Phase 5 of 7

Property Acquisition

How NCDOT purchases land needed for project

During the project development and design phases, NCDOT works to minimize the number of homes and businesses impacted by a project, but in many cases NCDOT must acquire a necessary amount of private property to build the project. The Right Of Way Unit is tasked with securing this private property. You can learn more about the right-of-way acquisition process here: https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/ROW/Pages/ROW-Support.aspx/

DESIGN BUILD CONSTRUCTION

Design-build is an alternative process used to help complete projects faster and save taxpayer money through innovative approaches to design and construction. The design-build method allows the design, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and construction to take place under one contract, reducing overall construction time, helping NCDOT avoid cost inflation, lessening environmental impacts and alleviating driving delays for motorists.

Phase 6 of 7

Construction

How transportation projects are built

Once the final design is complete and any necessary right-of-way is acquired, NCDOT goes through the process of hiring a private contractor to build the project.

Phase 7 of 7

Maintenance

How NCDOT maintains facilities once they are built

After a project is built, NCDOT continues to maintain the project, helping to prolong the life of the project. For roadway projects, you can help report on issues here: www.ncdot.gov/contact/Pages/default.aspx.

Maintenance Videos
Paving Potholes
Wildflower and Litterbug Programs
Mowing

To find out more about the NCDOT process click here: www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/how-road-gets-built/Pages/planning.aspx.