Transportation officials in North Carolina are asking residents to weigh in on the state's next freight plan, while Wyoming has secured more than $25 million in federal funding for highway improvements and a statewide truck parking study.

North Carolina opens public meetings on freight plan

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is updating its Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan and wants public feedback before the document is finalized.

The plan uses data to identify ways to improve the movement of goods across the state by highway, rail, air, ports, waterways and pipelines.

State officials say the update is intended to strengthen North Carolina's economy by improving freight efficiency and helping guide future transportation investments.

Three public meetings are scheduled this week, and registration is required.

• July 14: Waynesville (virtual and in-person)
• July 15: Greensboro (in-person only)
• July 16: Wilmington (virtual and in-person)

NCDOT said it is developing the plan with input from public and private stakeholders, including freight companies, planning organizations, economic developers and elected officials. A draft will be released for public comment this fall before being considered by the North Carolina Board of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

The final plan is expected in early 2027.

Wyoming awarded two BUILD grants

The Wyoming Department of Transportation received two competitive BUILD grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation, bringing its total competitive federal grant awards to more than $172.8 million over the past five years.

The larger award will fund new passing lanes, maintenance turnarounds and pavement rehabilitation along U.S. Highway 20/Wyoming Highway 789 through Wind River Canyon and portions of U.S. 20/26 between Shoshoni and Casper.

Project highlights include:

• $24 million in BUILD funding
• $6.7 million from Gov. Mark Gordon's Infrastructure Matching Funds
• $1 million from Wyoming's vehicle sales tax approved by the 2025 Legislature
• Construction expected to finish in July 2028

WYDOT Director Darin Westby said the passing lanes will improve safety by giving drivers more opportunities to pass slower-moving traffic, while the maintenance turnarounds will help state troopers and snowplow crews respond more efficiently along rural highways.

The department also received a $1.44 million BUILD grant for the Wyoming Winter Truck Parking Action Plan, a study that will identify where additional truck parking is needed across the National Highway System, especially along Interstate 80 during extended winter closures.

Project details include:

• $1.44 million in BUILD funding
• $1.8 million total project cost with state matching funds
• Focus on truck parking needs during winter highway closures
• Expected completion in December 2028

Sources: NCDOT, WYDOT