Here in New Bern, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has launched a crucial call for public input that will directly shape our community’s transportation future. As of July 1, 2026, NCDOT is asking residents to help prioritize projects for its upcoming long-range transportation capital plan – known as the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This is your opportunity to influence which road improvements, path constructions, and infrastructure upgrades are funded and built across New Bern and wider Craven County over the next decade, specifically from 2028 to 2037. Residents can share their thoughts and priorities through NCDOT’s interactive prioritization map or by participating in upcoming statewide open house public meetings, with details available on the NCDOT website.
So, why is this critical for New Bern and our surrounding communities? Your input is a key component in the development of the STIP, directly influencing which projects move forward. Local input points account for a significant portion of project scores in categories like “Regional Impact” (30%) and “Division Needs” (50%), meaning your priorities directly influence what gets built here. For New Bern, this could mean vital improvements at the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), “road diets” for NC 55 (Neuse Boulevard) and Simmons Street to enhance safety and flow, widening projects on Lowes Boulevard, and constructing multi-use paths on McCarthy Boulevard and Academic Drive. Other proposed local projects include upgrades to US 70 (Future I-42), potential passenger service for the NCRR/NS EC Line, multi-use paths in River Bend, and critical grade separations near Vanceboro and Havelock. This public engagement opportunity is especially timely following the recent transition of the New Bern Area MPO to the Craven County Metropolitan Planning Organization, ensuring a broader, unified voice for our entire county in regional transportation planning.
This is a pivotal moment for our community. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to decisions that will impact our daily commutes, local commerce, and overall quality of life for years to come. Visit NCDOT’s interactive map or check their website for meeting details, and let your voice be heard for a stronger, better-connected New Bern!
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