It is the policy of the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization to ensure that no person shall, on the ground of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and any other related non-discrimination Civil Rights laws and authorities. 

SMPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan

The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has begun work on the first long-range transportation plan for Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Taylortown, Foxfire, and the unincorporated areas of Moore County. The 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (or MTP) will look at ways to make it safer and easier for people and goods to move within and through.

The MTP looks at the different ways people move within and through the region today, including motor vehicles, bicycles, walking, and public transportation, and rail. The planning process considers how the region continues to grow and how anticipated changes affect future transportation needs.

The SMPO 2055 MTP guides transportation investments by directing funding from local, state, and federal sources toward priority projects that address local needs. It is crucial to note that projects must be included in the MTP to be eligible for federal funding.

The MTP is scheduled for adoption in December 2026.

The planning process includes collaboration between stakeholders, municipalities, and MPO staff to create a plan that reflects the values and needs of the region. The process also seeks to build awareness of the MTP and other MPO processes while listening to participants as they express issues and priorities.

The public can join the conversation about the future of transportation by visiting the project website and attending the first public workshop.

By visiting the project website (sandhills2055mtp.com), the public can learn more about the MPO, the transportation planning process, and participate in several digital engagement activities.  The first open house was on February 9, 2026. 

NCDOT Prioritization 8.0

Every two years, the Sandhills MPO (SMPO), along with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), will go through a process to identify and prioritize transportation projects for inclusion in the state’s next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).  This process, known as “Prioritization 8.0” for the current cycle, is directly tied to the Strategic Transportation Investments law that passed the NC General Assembly in 2013.  General information about this overall process can be found on NCDOT’s website here.

We welcome your comments and feedback on the prioritization of transportation projects.  Please feel free to attend any of our meetings, which are all open to the public, or write/call us.  We have a time for public comment at the beginning of each RTCC and Governing Board meeting.  

Local Points Allocations for the Regional Tier will be approved in August.  

More information on this effort can be found at the Studies and Plans tab.

SMPO's Public Involvement Plan (PIP)

The Public Involvement Plan is SMPO's guide to reaching out to the public at-large and targeted outreach strategies for traditionally under-engaged communities. 

SMPO approved the latest version of the Public Involvement Plan on August 20, 2025.

Attend Meetings 

A great way to participate in SMPO is to attend our Board meetings.

• Meetings Calendar
• Meeting Agendas and Materials

Learn more about MPO Activities

Current studies, area planning efforts, and more can be found under Studies and Plans. 

Pinehurst Traffic Circle

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting feedback on their proposed improvements for the Pinehurst Traffic Circle. That feedback, as well as additional information, can be found here. 

Email Updates

Request to be on our SMPO email update distribution list by emailing smpo@vopnc.org.

Contact Us

• Call (910)420-1669
• Send a direct email to smpo@vopnc.org
• Send U.S. Mail to: SMPO, 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374