The SMPO's Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) recommends improvements to the region's transportation network, including all modes, over the next 30 years. In order to continually enhance and implement the MTP, the SMPO engages in a variety of planning efforts dealing with issues in freight, bicycle and pedestrian accommodation, highways, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), transit, rail and travel demand management.

Relevant SMPO studies and plans, including the MTP, will be added here as they are developed. 

Pinehurst Traffic Circle: 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently completed a study on the Pinehurst traffic circle. The study recommends replacing the circular intersection for a continuous flow intersection (CFI) which would allow more “operational capacity” without the need for overpasses or extensive right-of-way acquisitions. Here is a presentation given to the Sandhills MPO Governing Board by NCDOT Division 8 officials on May 15, 2024. Additionally, NCDOT is requesting feedback on the proposed changes. Additional information and the NCDOT feedback survey can be found here. In January 2023, the Pinehurst Village Council sent this letter to NCDOT regarding the CFI proposal, which was one of two proposals being considered at the time. 

NCDOT will be holding listening sessions to receive feedback on the CFI proposal for improving the traffic circle. These meetings are listed below.

• July 16, 2024, 5 - 7 PM - Pinehurst - Pinehurst Elementary (100 Dundee Road)

• July 18, 2024 5 - 7 PM - Carthage - Moore County Ag Center (707 Pinehurst Ave)

• July 23, 2024 5 - 7 PM - Aberdeen - First Baptist Church (700 N. Sandhills Blvd)

NCDOT Plans: 

NC Moves 2050 Plan