AASHTO Journal - NCDOT Unveils New Advanced Transportation Plan

The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently released its Advanced Transportation Mobility Strategic Plan; described as the “next step forward” in the agency’s effort to improve transportation by exploring the use of innovative air and ground mobility technologies.

[Above photo by NCDOT]

Officially named “Advance Mobility NC,” the plan seeks to leverage the work of NCDOT’s Aviation, Integrated Mobility and Rail divisions to create a multimodal transportation system that improves the movement of people and freight.

The agency said its new strategic plan outlines actions to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as connected and automated vehicles, electric zero-emission aircraft, and other innovations into the state’s transportation infrastructure.

[Editor’s note: In a separate effort, NCDOT’s Office of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Outreach Program is making new scholarship funds available to students from HBCUs and minority serving institutions or MSIs who are pursuing degrees in transportation-related fields. The agency will select 14 scholarship award recipients by July 31, with each recipient receiving a $1,100 scholarship to put toward their school-related financial needs.]

The NCDOT said it aims to use this plan to position the department as a leader in supporting new and advanced transportation technologies to improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities for North Carolina and its residents.

That includes conducting pilot programs to study and improve applications in the state transportation system – now and in the future – and using it as a guide for local agencies to prepare for and implement new technologies to fulfill a range of transportation needs.

“We are excited to share our vision for the future of transportation in North Carolina,” said Julie White, NCDOT deputy secretary of multimodal transportation, in a statement.

“The Advanced Transportation Mobility Strategic Plan represents a critical step towards harnessing the potential of emerging technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and accessibility in our transportation system,” she added.