Sandhills 2055 MTP

The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is planning transportation in our area through the year 2055. The 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (or MTP) identifies ways to make it safer and easier for people and goods to move within and through Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Taylortown and the surrounding area. The MTP is a federal requirement under U.S. Law, specifically 23 US Code §134, and is due by December 2026.

The MTP considers all modes of transportation, including motor vehicles, bicycles, walking, public transportation, freight delivery, and air travel. Along the way, the process analyzed how the region is growing and changing to determine future transportation needs. The MTP recommends transportation projects, prioritizes them for funding, and creates a clear roadmap to guide transportation decisions and investments in the years to come.

We invite YOU to contribute to the MTP by sharing your thoughts to help shape the future of transportation in our community. Join us online for interactive activities or attend in-person meetings to make your voice heard. Together, we'll create a transportation plan that works for everyone. Your voice matters!

We want to hear from you! Drop markers on the map, take the survey, and tell us the most important transportation project to you. It's easy as 1, 2, 3.

1) INTERACTIVE MAP | Issues and Ideas

3) STICKY NOTE | Transportation Ideas

What are your ideas for making it safer, easier, and more convenient to travel within and through the Sandhills area? You can mention specific locations (e.g., make it easier to cross Pennsylvania Ave) or offer general suggestions. Give us your ideas and react to others. (max 140 characters).

You have 140 characters left

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Moderation Policy

6 December, 2025

Trixie says:

Turn lanes & traffic signals for subdivisions & shopping centers. Bypass to 211 off of 501 & hwy 1 to create parallel alternative for hwy 5.

5 December, 2025

Dell says:

Widen or Install turn lanes at subdivision and entrances/exits. Waiting 4 cars back to turn right is aggravating.

5 December, 2025

Good Karen says:

Keep trucks and slower moving traffic out of the passing lane and ticket those playing with their phones

5 December, 2025

Retired says:

We are quickly becoming another Cary or Holly Springs. Please keep the charm of Pinehurst/ Southern Pines when planning for the future.

5 December, 2025

Mary says:

It’s all fine. People need to calm down.

5 December, 2025

CKO says:

A median at the top of East Morganton Road where it meets Indiana. Cars are constantly using this as a cutoff and it’s dangerous.

5 December, 2025

scott says:

Please add bike lanes to all new roads and whenever making improvements to existing roads!

5 December, 2025

p says:

Agree with more right turn lanes, especially at traffic circles. Leave some trees to help regulate the quality of the air we breathe.

5 December, 2025

Amy says:

Connect Walmart to TJ MAXX. Connect DQ to Belk Center. More right turn lanes.

4 December, 2025

Tbg says:

Put up some “don’t block intersections “ signs at congested intersections. Pursue finding ways to divert traffic around towns instead of thr

4 December, 2025

… says:

Stop building apartments.

Engagement Hub

Welcome to the Sandhills MPO 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan! Take a moment to learn more about the plan, then give us your input in three important ways.

1) INTERACTIVE MAP | Issues and Ideas

Drop markers on the map to tell us your transportation issues and ideas.

2) ONLINE SURVEY | Preferences

Complete the brief survey.

3) STICKY NOTE | Transportation Ideas

Give us your idea and react to others.

While you're here, please answer the optional demographic questions so we learn more about you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated regional agency charged with carrying out a region's transportation planning processes. MPOs are required in all urbanized areas with populations over 50,000.

For more information on the Sandhills MPO, please visit Transportation/Sandhills MPO | Village of Pinehurst, NC.

The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Area includes the Sandhills Urbanized Area as established in the most recent U.S. Decennial Census. The Sandhills MPO includes the following municipalities: Village of Pinehurst, Town of Southern Pines, Town of Aberdeen, Village of Whispering Pines, Town of Pinebluff, Town of Taylortown and portions of unincorporated Moore County.

The Sandhills MPO is mandated under federal law to conduct a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive transportation planning process. The agency plans and commits funds for the construction of transportation improvements across multiple transportation modes as well as for sub area corridor studies.

In addition to the MTP, the Sandhills MPO also completes the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP), the Public Involvement Plan, and the Title VI Plan. For more information, see the Transportation/Sandhills MPO | Village of Pinehurst, NC.

The final MTP will include information about infrastructure, safety, security, freight, mobility and risk management, and finances.

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) serves as a long-range blueprint for transportation planning and development in metropolitan areas. It is a federally mandated document that outlines transportation strategies and projects expected over the next 20 to 25 years. Below are the federal requirements and purpose of the MTP:

Federal Requirements for MTP:

Long-Range Planning: The MTP must cover a planning horizon of at least 20 years into the future.
Update Cycle: For areas in air quality non-attainment, the MTP must be updated at least every four years. For attainment areas, it must be updated every five years.
Fiscal Constraint: The plan must be fiscally constrained, meaning it must include only those projects and programs for which funding is reasonably expected to be available.
Public Participation: The MTP development process must provide opportunities for public involvement, ensuring that community members and stakeholders can participate in the decision-making process.
Performance-Based Planning: The MTP must include a performance-based approach to planning, with specific goals, measures, and targets to assess the effectiveness of the transportation system.
Environmental Considerations: It must consider environmental factors and potential impacts, including conformity with air quality standards in non-attainment and maintenance areas.

Purpose of the MTP:

Guiding Investments: The primary purpose of the MTP is to guide the metropolitan area’s transportation investments and policies. It prioritizes projects and initiatives that align with community goals and federal requirements.
Anticipating Future Needs: The MTP anticipates future transportation needs based on projected population growth, economic development, land use patterns, and environmental considerations.
Promoting Sustainability: The MTP promotes sustainable transportation solutions that minimize environmental impacts, improve air quality, and support energy conservation.
Enhancing Connectivity: By addressing all modes of transportation—including motor vehicles, bicycles, walking, public transit, and freight—the MTP strives to create an integrated, multimodal transportation system that enhances regional connectivity and mobility.
Improving Safety and Accessibility: The MTP includes strategies to improve transportation safety and accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities and underserved communities.
Supporting Economic Development: The plan aims to support regional economic development by facilitating efficient movement of people and goods, thereby enhancing competitiveness and quality of life.

By meeting these requirements and aligning with its purpose, the MTP plays a critical role in shaping the future transportation landscape, ensuring that metropolitan areas can effectively and sustainably meet the needs of their residents and businesses.

The MTP is a federal requirement under U.S. Law, specifically 23 US Code §134, and is due by December 2026

Contact

If you have questions or want to learn more about this project, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name	Scott Walston
Email	swalston@vopnc.org