The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is asking residents to share their feedback on the draft 2026-2035 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which outlines planned transportation improvements across the state for the next decade.
The draft plan, available through NCDOT’s interactive map, includes critical infrastructure projects that will shape transportation in Sanford and surrounding areas. To explore specific local projects, residents can open the Excel document provided by NCDOT and select Lee County from the list.
Among the Sanford projects included in the draft for feedback are the realignment of Kelly Drive around Central Carolina Community College and adding sidewalks around Downtown Sanford and Jonesboro.
A full list of projects, including details on project length, estimated construction timelines, and more, can be found in the draft plan provided by NCDOT.
How to participate
Residents can submit comments and suggestions via NCDOT’s online engagement portal until April 4, 2025.
Additionally, local NCDOT offices will host drop-in sessions across the state, where the public can ask questions and submit feedback in person.
Drop-in session details for Lee County residents, among other counties:
- Dates: February 24-28, 2025
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Location: NCDOT Division 8 Office, 121 DOT Drive, Carthage, NC
- Contact: Bryan Kluchar, 910-773-8021, bdkluchar@ncdot.gov
During these sessions, community members can share feedback on the projects and processes to develop the plan.
More about the STIP
The STIP serves as NCDOT’s roadmap for funding and delivering transportation projects over the next 10 years. Projects in the first five years of the plan are considered scheduled for delivery, while those in the latter half are funded for preliminary engineering and may be reevaluated during future updates.
NCDOT regularly updates the STIP every two years, using data and public input to prioritize projects based on a formula established by the Strategic Transportation Investments law. This ensures more efficient use of funding and strengthens North Carolina’s infrastructure, boosting economic growth, job creation, and quality of life.
Transportation officials are expected to adopt the 2026-2035 STIP in the summer of 2025. For more information on the STIP process, visit the NCDOT website.