Seeking Public Comment on NBAMPO 2024-2033 MTIP
The N.C. Board of Transportation adopted the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) at their June board meeting, which identifies transportation projects that will receive funding from 2024 to 2033.
The Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) is a subset of the STIP and by extension demonstrates fiscal constraint.
You can find the NBAMPO 2024-2033 MTIP here .
Public comments will be accepted by NBAMPO staff through September 1, 2023.
Deanna Trebil, MPO Administrator
trebil.deanna@newbernnc.gov
252-639-7592
Felicia McRee, MPO Planner
mcreef@newbernnc.gov
252-639-7593
Public Meeting Notice
SPECIAL CALLED TAC AND TCC MEETINGS
SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PRIORITIZATION 7.0 PROJECTS
The New Bern Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (NBAMPO) Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) will meet for a special meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the Development Services Conference Room at 303 First Street, New Bern, NC 28560.
The purpose of the special meeting is to consider a resolution to amend the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) to allow NCDOT to obligate approximately $7M in for “Vulnerable Road User” funding. This is the only item on the agenda.
Immediately following this meeting, the public, staff and members of the TAC and Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) members are invited to an open house to learn about the Prioritization 7.0 cycle and to seek comments on potential projects. This open house is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM in the Development Services Conference Room at 303 First Street, New Bern, NC 28560.
The submittal window for Prioritization 7.0 is quickly approaching which requires special meetings to be called by both the TCC and TAC. A special meeting of the Technical Coordinating Committee will be held on August 24, 2023 at 1:30 PM at which time the list of potential projects will be discussed with possible recommendation to the Transportation Advisory Committee at a special meeting on September 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM.
For more information regarding the meeting listed above, please contact NBAMPO staff.
Board of Transportation Approves STIP
Yesterday the N.C. Board of Transportation adopted the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program, which identifies transportation projects that will receive funding from 2024 to 2033. Learn more about the STIP process and development here.
Here you can find the final 2024-2033 STIP filtered on projects in our area.
FY24 Meeting Schedule
TCC Meetings - 1:30pm
July 13, 2023 - CANCELLED - specially called joint board meeting June 20, 2023, 10am
September 14, 2023
November 9, 2023
January 11, 2024
March 14, 2024
May 9, 2024
TAC Meetings - 11:00am
July 27, 2023 - CANCELLED - specially called joint board meeting June 20, 2023, 10am
September 28, 2023
November 16, 2023
January 25, 2024
March 28, 2024
May 23, 2024
U.S. 70 Improvements in James City - Spring 2023 Update
NCDOT - If you’ve driven along the U.S. 70 Improvement project in James City, then you’ve seen that our crews have been busy this spring!
The final efforts for stage one of construction are wrapping up, as the demolition of structures is completed, and the relocation of public utilities, such as power, gas, fiber, water and sewer is well underway. Much of the work for the new infrastructure on the project is for items that the traveling public will never see – such as new water and sewer lines, known as “wet utilities”. These new wet utilities constructed for the project will include 90,000 linear feet of new water lines and 50,000 linear feet of new sewer lines.
The project work will replace existing, under-capacity infrastructure, including storm drain pipes and boxes, to ensure that stormwater coming onto the U.S. 70 road surface will not run off onto the properties and cause impacts. Many of the lane closures and detours that have occurred on the project in recent months are due to replacing large, underground pipes. In all, 750 drainage boxes and 81,000 linear feet of storm drain pipe will be constructed as part of the project! The construction of new stormwater basins has already been completed along U.S. 70 East at Williams Road, Airport Road, and Grantham Road. These basins will hold extra water when needed during large storms to make sure the system isn’t overburdened.
Work in stage two of construction is also well underway. Clearing for new service roads has been completed, and some of these new service roads have already been constructed – including curb and gutter and pavement. Work on new service roads and upgrades to existing service roads will continue until the completion of stage two. During stage three, the new service roads will be opened to traffic, and work will begin to widen existing U.S. 70 as well as begin new ramp construction.
Want to learn more about the project or have a question? You can visit our website to read past newsletters, watch videos about the construction process, and sign-up to receive updates by email and text: NCDOT.GOV/JAMESCITY.
You can also email us at US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call and leave us a message at 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872.
Proposed 2024-2033 STIP
Here you will find the proposed final 2024-2033 STIP, filtered on projects in our area, that will be presented to the Board of Transportation in June with a request for approval.
CARTS Public Information Meetings
Calling all Craven County, Jones County and Pamlico County residents!
You are invited to attend a Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) public information meeting. Citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions about the public transit system, review the CARTS Title VI Nondiscrimination plan, which is updated every three years, and provide feedback to CARTS staff.
Currently scheduled meetings are:
Craven Community College, Ward Hall/Student Center, Room 115, 800 College Ct., New Bern
May 4, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Craven County Community Health Center, 508 U.S. Hwy 70 W, Havelock
May 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. &
June 6, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
New Bern-Craven County Public Library, Conference Room, 400 Johnston Street, New Bern
May 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. &
June 3, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Additional meeting dates and times will be announced via Craven County NC Facebook page and online at: www.cravencountync.gov/165/Transportation-CARTS.
Public Feedback Sought on N.C. Clean Transportation Plan
State officials will host a series of public meetings to provide information and allow public feedback on the draft version of the N.C. Clean Transportation Plan, which outlines strategies to decarbonize the transportation sector.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will host its fourth and final virtual information session on the plan from 4-5 p.m. Feb. 28. Registration is required to participate in the virtual session. The agency will also host a series of open house meetings throughout the state on March 1-2 and March 6. Registration is not required to participate in the open house meetings.
NCDOT will publish the draft plan on its website March 1. Once the plan is published March 1, NCDOT will also provide a link on its website where stakeholders can provide feedback through March 15. Information about the plan’s goals can be viewed at NCDOT’s website.
NCDOT and over 220 stakeholders worked for more than a year to develop the draft plan, which explores strategies to advance clean transportation investments and workforce development. The draft plan encourages an equitable transition to zero-emission vehicles and strategies to deploy clean transportation infrastructure to support the transition.
Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 246 in January 2022 that directed NCDOT to work with stakeholders to develop the plan. The plan set the state on a course to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance environmental justice and create good-paying jobs tied to clean transportation. The executive order builds upon 2018’s Executive Order 80 and establishes a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from 2005 levels and increase zero-emission vehicle adoption to 1.25 million vehicles by 2030.
NCDOT’s open house meetings will be held in six locations on March 1-2 and March 6. The information shared and feedback requested will be identical at each of the meetings. The open house meetings will be on the following schedule:
ICYMI - 2023 Transportation Summit
About 1,200 attendees were able to gain insights into the current needs and potential future of transportation through the 12 sessions offered at the 2023 NC Transportation Summit.
More than 60 speakers discussed topics ranging from environmental justice and improving transportation equity and access to hiring post-COVID and funding the future of transportation.
You can see everything you missed here.
Census Urbanized Areas and MPO/TMA Designation - Estimated Schedule of Activities
December 29, 2022
The Census Bureau published a Federal Register notice announcing the qualifying urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census (87 FR 80114).
January 6, 2023
The Census Bureau published TIGER/Line geographic shapefiles for the 2020 urban areas on their website.
January 18, 2023
FHWA published geographic shapefiles for the 2020 urban areas on HEPGIS with population and housing unit data.
Spring/Summer 2023
USDOT (FHWA and FTA) will publish a Federal Register notice designating Transportation Management Areas (TMAs) for urban areas with populations more than 200,000, as determined by the Census Bureau and the results of the 2020 Decennial Census.
Before October 1, 2023 - (Before the first full Federal fiscal year after the Census Bureau published the urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census)
States should revisit their intra-State distribution formulas for metropolitan planning (PL) funds allocations to MPOs to ensure that the new Census 2020 population figures are being used and that any new MPOs are part of the calculation.
Before the next regularly scheduled metropolitan transportation plan update, after October 1, 2023, or within 4 years of the designation of the new urban area boundary (i.e., December 29, 2026), whichever occurs first
Existing MPOs should expand their Metropolitan Planning Areas (MPAs) to include all territory in urban areas with populations more than 50,000, as determined by the Census Bureau and the results of the 2020 Decennial Census (if necessary).
December 29, 2023 - (1 year after the Census Bureau published the urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census)
New MPOs should be designated by Governor(s) to represent all new urban areas with populations more than 50,000, as determined by the Census Bureau and the results of the 2020 Decennial Census.
Urban areas that are located within the MPA of an existing MPO do not require designation of a new MPO.
December 29, 2023 - (1 year after the Census Bureau published the urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census)
Adjustments to urban area boundaries should be approved by the State transportation agency and FHWA Division Office.
The April 15th and June 15th Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data submissions should reflect all urban area boundary adjustments approved during the previous calendar year.
For example, if an urban area boundary adjustment was approved in calendar year 2023 (i.e., January 1 – December 31, 2023), the HPMS data submissions on April 15, 2024, and June 15, 2024, should conform to the approved urban area boundary.
Likewise, if an urban area boundary adjustment was approved in calendar year 2024 (i.e., January 1 – December 31, 2024), the HPMS data submissions on April 15, 2025, and June 15, 2025, should conform to the approved urban area boundary.
FHWA will consider all urban area boundaries final as of April 15, 2025, and will use the original 2020 Census boundaries for all urban areas that have not been adjusted.
Fall/Winter 2024 - (Within 18 months of TMA designation)
New TMAs must have a Congestion Management Process (CMP), per 23 CFR 450.340(g).
December 29, 2025 - (3 years after the Census Bureau published the urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census)
Changes to highway functional classification associated with the Census-defined urban area boundaries (or the FHWA-approved urban area boundaries if adjustments are made) should be approved by the State transportation agency and FHWA Division Office
The April 15th and June 15th HPMS data submissions should reflect all highway functional classification changes approved during the previous calendar year.
For example, if a highway functional classification change was approved in calendar year 2025 (i.e., January 1 – December 31, 2025), the HPMS data submissions on April 15, 2026, and June 15, 2026, should reflect the highway functional classification change.
Likewise, if a highway functional classification change was approved in calendar year 2026 (i.e., January 1 – December 31, 2026), the HPMS data submissions on April 15, 2027, and June 15, 2027, should reflect the highway functional classification change.
December 29, 2026 - (4 years after the Census Bureau published the urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Decennial Census)
New MPOs should have a formally adopted Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Spring/Summer 2027 - (Within 4 years of TMA designation)
USDOT (FHWA and FTA) shall complete a Federal planning certification review for each newly designated TMA, per 23 U.S.C. 134(k)(6).
U.S. 70 Improvements in James City - Traffic Alert
East Grantham Road will be closed from 2/9 at 10 pm through 2/10 at 6 am for installation of sewer and water pipes. Temporary detour signs will be in place to alert motorists of the new traffic pattern. This work is weather dependent.
The project team is available to answer any questions. Send an email to US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872 when prompted. The public may also visit the site office at 118B Market Street, New Bern to ask questions and receive information, by making an appointment by email or phone. Follow social media for updates on Twitter at @NCDOT_Scoast.
US 70 Upgrades Between James City Improvement Project and Havelock Bypass
Another segment of an important corridor in eastern North Carolina will be upgraded to interstate standards, thanks to a $242 million state contract awarded last week.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will improve 6.4 miles of U.S. 70 roughly between Thurman Road and the Havelock Bypass.
The project will eliminate conventional U.S. 70 intersections, such as those with stop signs and traffic signals, with new overpasses, bridges, ramps, loops and service roads. Along this 6.4-mile route, the following intersection with U.S. 70 will be converted into interchanges, or highway exits:
Stately Pine Road
Fisher Avenue
Camp Kiro Road
“This is a vital highway for eastern North Carolina,” said Jeff Cabaniss, the Division 2 Engineer based in Kinston. “By upgrading it, we will be improving regional mobility and highway safety and providing new economic opportunities in this region of the state.”
The department awarded what is referred to as design-build contract to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. of Wilmington, the same contractor working on the Havelock Bypass and Improvements in James City. A design-build contract is an alternative way to deliver a project in an efficient way. Balfour Beatty will complete the final design, assist NCDOT in acquiring the necessary right of way and construct the project.
The current timeline anticipates construction being ready to begin by early 2024, and it will take about four years to complete the improvements. This NCDOT webpage has more information about the project.
CARTS Public Hearing Notice
This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed 5311 Community Transportation Program Application submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The public hearing will be held on January 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. before the Craven County Board of Commissioners.
Those interested in attending the public hearing and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact the CARTS office on or before December 30, 2022, at telephone number 252-636-4917 or via email at carts@cravencountync.gov.
The Community Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation programs operating in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties as well as provides transportation options and services for the communities within this service area. These services are currently provided using Fixed Route, ADA Complementary Paratransit, and Demand Response type service. Services are rendered by CARTS.
The total estimated amount requested for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
US 70 Improvements in James City Lane Closures
Starting this weekend, drivers will encounter temporary lane closures on U.S. 70 in the James City community as construction moves into a new phase.
Until now, the work to upgrade the highway has not involved any lane reductions on U.S. 70. That will change beginning 7 p.m. Friday, when a state Transportation Department contractor plans to close the right lane in each direction of U.S. 70 between Airport Road and Taberna Way in order to install temporary pavement.
These lane closures are scheduled to end by 6 a.m. Monday. This work is weather-dependent. Drivers should slow down and be alert going through the work zone, and expect delays when there are lane closures on U.S. 70.
Periodic lane closures on the highway will continue beyond this weekend. The contractor will be allowed to reduce lanes on U.S. 70 either on the weekends or at night during the week when there is less traffic. Crews will install storm drains under these lane reductions.
To minimize traffic impacts, the contractor will not be permitted to close lanes on U.S. 70 during the daytime hours of Monday through Friday.
In addition to the work on U.S. 70, the service roads in the project area also will be subject to occasional road closures or lane reductions for the relocation of water and sewer lines and new service road construction.
When beach-going travel picks up again in May, the contractor will no longer be allowed to close lanes on U.S. 70 on the weekends.
The project team is available to answer any questions. Send an email to US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872 when prompted. The public may also visit the site office at 118B Market Street, New Bern to ask questions and receive information, by making an appointment by email or phone. Follow social media for updates on Twitter at @NCDOT_Scoast or Facebook at @NCDOT.
U.S. 70 Improvements in James City - Traffic Alert
The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close a portion of E. Thurman Road between U.S. 70 and Sweet Bay Drive starting Thursday night, Oct. 6, at 10 p.m. until Friday morning, Oct. 7, at 6 a.m. A map showing the location of the road closure showing the location of the road closure and detours for travelers using E. Thurman between U.S. 70 and Old Cherry Point Road can be found here.
This work is part of the U.S. 70 Improvements in James City Project. This closure is necessary to accommodate sewer and water line installation. Temporary signs will be in place to alert motorists of the road closure and the detour route. Motorists are reminded to reduce speeds and be attentive as they drive through the work zone. For more information about the project, please see the contact information listed below.
The project team is available to answer any questions. Send an email to US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872 when prompted. The public may also visit the site office at 118B Market Street, New Bern to ask questions and receive information, by making an appointment by email or phone. Follow social media for updates on Twitter at @NCDOT_Scoast or Facebook at @NCDOT.
Lane Closures to Repave N.C. 43
Drivers using an 8-mile section of N.C. 43 north of New Bern will encounter daytime lane closures and delays starting this week while crews resurface the highway.
A contractor will mill away the old asphalt and lay new pavement on the two-lane highway between N.C. 55 and U.S. 17. The work will require flagging operations to control one direction of traffic at a time where construction is occurring.
The work on the heavily traveled highway is scheduled to start Wednesday morning, weather permitting, and take until mid-November to be completed.
Motorists should expect delays, use caution in the work zone and be alert for workers and equipment.
The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded this $2 million repaving contract last year.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
US 70 James City Improvements Traffic Alert
The N.C. Department of Transportation will temporarily close West Grantham Road between Pickett Lane and Service Road 1153 starting Thursday night, September 22, at 11:00 PM until Friday morning, September 23, at 5:00 AM. A map showing the location of the road closure can be found here: https://publicinput.com/.../edea0cd1-5375-4c38-8ade....
This work is part of the U.S. 70 Improvements in James City Project. The detour is necessary to accommodate sewer line installation. Temporary signs will be in place to alert motorists of the road closure and the detour route. Motorists are reminded to reduce speeds and be attentive as they drive through the work zone. For more information about the project, please see the contact information listed below.
The project team is available to answer any questions. Send an email to US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872 when prompted. The public may also visit the site office at 118B Market Street, New Bern to ask questions and receive information, by making an appointment by email or phone. Follow social media for updates on Twitter at @NCDOT_Scoast or Facebook at @NCDOT.
NCDOT Seeks Input on Draft 10-Year Transportation Plan
From NCDOT:
People are invited to learn more about the N.C. Department of Transportation's draft 10-year transportation plan for 2024-2033, called the State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP.
Highway Division 2, which is based in Kinston, will have office hours to answer questions and collect comments from the public about the funding and proposed construction schedule for any project in the draft 2024-2033 STIP.
Len White, the division's planning engineer, will be available to the public to talk about the draft STIP from Sept. 26-30 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 2815 Rouse Road Extension. He also may be reached via 252-439-2804 or lenwhite@ncdot.gov. (Note: White will forward any questions or concerns about specific project proposals to the appropriate design team or project development manager.)
Alternatively, people may submit their comments about the draft STIP online and may participate in an online survey to indicate which projects matter most to them.
The department will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to provide input. Anyone requiring special services should contact White, who will help make arrangements.
The division covers highway projects in Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Pamlico and Pitt counties.
The department initially unveiled its proposed funding and construction plan in May, then revised it in August to reflect new sources of revenue.
The draft plan still adheres to the Strategic Transportation Investments law using the required data-driven process and input from local officials and the public.
Projects scheduled in the first five years are generally considered to be committed, while those on the latter half of the schedule are subject to be re-evaluated when the next STIP is developed.
The NCDOT plans to use public input and the requests of planning organizations from around the state to produce a final draft STIP that will state transportation officials will adopt next year. More information on the STIP process can be found on the NCDOT webpage.
New Bern Area MPO projects included in the Draft STIP can be found here.
Cable Work Requires Brief Closures on U .S. 70 in New Bern
From NCDOT:
A contractor needs to install new cabling over U.S. 70 near Country Club Road next week.
The utility installations will require the highway to briefly close overnight Monday several times between 11 p.m. Monday and 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Local law enforcement will be on the highway to safely conduct the approximately six-minute stoppages. There will be a gap of at least 20 minutes between stoppages.
Drivers should be alert, slow down and prepare for delays if using the highway during this time.
US 70 James City Improvements - Fall Update
From NCDOT:
The U.S. 70 upgrade project in James City is underway! While you may not see all the work happening along the corridor, our contract crews are hard at work completing the first stage of construction and starting the second stage. The first stage of construction began in the spring of 2021. This stage included acquiring additional right of way and demolishing impacted buildings and structures; this work has been completed.
The first stage also includes the relocation of utilities, such as overhead power, underground gas, fiber-optic cables, water, and sewer. The project team is working with each utility company to complete the relocation of the infrastructure.
As we enter stage two of construction, upgrades will be made to existing service roads, as well as the construction of new service roads. Construction crews have already started to clear the land for new service roads and started construction of these new service road.
If you drive along the corridor often, you may see large piles of pipes. These pipes are being installed underground to upgrade the storm water system that captures run-off water collected from the roadway, mainly caused by rain. This is done to ensure additional storm runoff collected from the future roadway will not impact existing properties or the rail corridor to the west of U.S. 70.
The project is expected to be completed in late 2024. Until that time, we are committed to being a good neighbor in the James City community and minimizing impacts as much as possible and providing you with timely and accurate information, so you can plan ahead.
Want to learn more about the project or have a question? You can visit our website to read past newsletters, watch videos about the construction process, and sign-up to receive updates by email and text: NCDOT.GOV/JAMESCITY
You can also email us at US70-JAMESCITY@PUBLICINPUT.COM or call and leave us a message at 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872.