The Charlotte Department Of Transportation (CDOT) plays a crucial role in shaping the daily lives of residents and visitors alike. Responsible for planning, operating, and maintaining the city’s vast transportation network, CDOT is dedicated to enhancing the experience of driving, cycling, and walking throughout Charlotte. Investing in infrastructure and prioritizing safety are at the forefront of CDOT’s mission to keep Charlotte moving efficiently and sustainably.
Enhancing Pedestrian Safety with Hybrid Beacons
CDOT is committed to improving pedestrian safety through innovative solutions like Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. These beacons, sometimes referred to as HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) beacons, are traffic control devices used to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets. When activated by a pedestrian, the beacon displays a sequence of flashing yellow and solid red lights to drivers, legally requiring them to stop and allow pedestrians to cross. This system enhances pedestrian visibility and reduces conflicts with vehicles, making Charlotte’s streets safer for everyone.
Investing in Charlotte’s Future Through Infrastructure
CDOT’s commitment extends to significant investments in Charlotte’s transportation infrastructure. These investments are vital for sustaining and enhancing the city’s growth and ensuring a robust and reliable transportation system for the future. From road expansions and traffic signal upgrades to sidewalk improvements and greenway extensions, CDOT projects are designed to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall quality of life for Charlotte residents. This proactive approach to infrastructure development is essential for accommodating Charlotte’s continued growth and maintaining its position as a thriving urban center.
Promoting Sustainable Transportation with Bike Lanes
Recognizing the importance of sustainable transportation, CDOT actively promotes cycling as a viable and healthy commuting option through the development and maintenance of dedicated bike lanes. These bike lanes provide cyclists with safer and more comfortable routes, separating them from vehicular traffic and encouraging more people to choose cycling for their daily commutes or leisure activities. By expanding the city’s network of bike lanes, CDOT is contributing to a greener, healthier, and more environmentally friendly Charlotte.
About the Charlotte Department of Transportation
The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the driving force behind the city’s mobility. With a mission focused on planning, operating, and maintaining Charlotte’s transportation infrastructure, CDOT strives to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. A key objective is to ensure the sustainability and continuous improvement of the city’s transportation assets, adapting to the evolving needs of a growing metropolis.
Stay Informed About Street Closures
Navigating Charlotte’s streets efficiently requires staying updated on street closures. CDOT provides an interactive Street Closures map, offering a real-time view of construction-related closures and detours. This tool is invaluable for residents and visitors to plan their routes effectively and avoid potential delays caused by road work or special events. Accessing this map ensures smoother commutes and better navigation throughout the city.
Vision Zero: A Commitment to Safe Streets for All
Safety is paramount for the Charlotte Department of Transportation. The city’s commitment to a safe transportation system is embodied in Vision Zero, an ambitious action plan launched in 2018. Vision Zero’s goal is to eliminate traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030. This initiative recognizes that even one traffic fatality is unacceptable and emphasizes the collective responsibility of creating safe travel for everyone. By focusing on proactive safety measures and data-driven strategies, Vision Zero aims to make Charlotte a city where streets are safe for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation. Learn more and take the Vision Zero pledge at CharlotteNC.gov/VisionZero.
Connect with CDOT and Stay Updated
Staying connected with the Charlotte Department of Transportation is easy. For the latest updates on road closures, city events impacting traffic, and important transportation news, follow CDOT on social media. You can connect with CDOT on:
CDOT’s Four Key Focus Areas: Connecting Charlotte
CDOT’s efforts are strategically organized around four key areas of focus, all supporting the overarching goal of “Connecting Charlotte”:
We Maintain Mobility Assets: This includes daily street maintenance, repairs, and emergency response to ensure the durability and sustainability of Charlotte’s mobility infrastructure.
We Operate Mobility Systems: CDOT manages the real-time operation of traffic signals and streets to optimize safe and efficient movement for all modes of transportation.
We Manage the Public Right-of-Way: Regulating street usage for parking, utilities, construction, and public events ensures responsible and equitable utilization of public space.
We Design Mobility Strategy: CDOT plans and designs new capital projects, investing in streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and transit to create a safe and equitable multimodal system for the future.
CDOT Divisions: Working to Serve Charlotte
The Charlotte Department of Transportation is a large and multifaceted organization with over 400 employees across five divisions. Each division is crucial in delivering essential services that impact the daily lives of Charlotte residents and visitors.
Development Services Division
The Development Services Division collaborates with developers and utility providers to manage growth and development while preserving mobility. This division also works closely with event organizers to ensure the safe and successful use of public right-of-way for events. It comprises two sections: Land Development and Right-of-Way Management, both vital for managing Charlotte’s expanding infrastructure and public spaces.
Planning and Design Division
The Planning and Design Division is responsible for the long-term vision of Charlotte’s transportation network. This division manages investments and strategies for maintaining, administering, and improving the transportation system. They consider factors like air quality, economic development, and urban design when developing and implementing transportation facilities. The Planning and Design Division plays a key role in regional transportation planning and the city’s strategic mobility capital investments, shaping the future of transportation in Charlotte.
Engineering and Operations Division
The Engineering and Operations Division focuses on the practical aspects of transportation management. They design, install, operate, and maintain traffic and pedestrian signals, road signs, and pavement markings. This division is also central to the city’s Vision Zero program, focusing on safety for all transportation users. By optimizing traffic flow and promoting walkable and sustainable communities, the Engineering and Operations Division ensures a balanced and efficient transportation system.
Strategic Mobility Division
The Strategic Mobility Division is dedicated to realizing the vision of the Strategic Mobility Plan. Comprising Mobility Planning and Policy and Curbside Management and Shared Mobility sections, this division works to ensure safe and equitable mobility options are accessible to everyone. They handle long-range planning and policy development, including the On-Street Parking Program, Bicycle Program, and Shared Mobility Program, shaping the future of how people move around Charlotte.
Street Maintenance Division
With over 2,500 miles of city-maintained streets, the Street Maintenance Division is essential for keeping Charlotte’s infrastructure in good repair. This division and its 200+ employees are committed to ensuring Charlotte’s streets, drainage, and sidewalks are safe and well-maintained. Organized into three districts (Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest), the Street Maintenance Division provides localized and efficient maintenance services across the city.
CDOT Leadership
Debbie Smith, Department Director Leading the Charlotte Department of Transportation is Debbie Smith, whose expertise and vision guide CDOT’s mission to enhance Charlotte’s transportation network. Learn more about her leadership in this Fast Five interview.
Justin Carroll, Deputy Director Supporting the Department Director is Deputy Director Justin Carroll, contributing to the strategic direction and operational excellence of CDOT. Further details about CDOT leadership can be found in the Leadership Booklet (PDF, 1MB).
Charlie Jones, Deputy Director Deputy Director Charlie Jones also plays a vital role in CDOT’s leadership team, working to ensure the department effectively serves the Charlotte community. More information is available in the Leadership Booklet (PDF, 1MB).
CDOT Team: Serving the Charlotte Community
The dedicated team at the Charlotte Department of Transportation works collaboratively to support CDOT’s leadership, address community inquiries, and incorporate feedback to continuously improve safety, efficiency, and walkability throughout Charlotte. Key contacts within the CDOT team include:
Executive Assistant to the Director: Lynn Alexander
Public Relations Manager: Tamara Blue
Customer Relations: Kayla Losh and Amaya Maduegbunam
Office Location: 600 E. Fourth St. Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone: 704.336.4119 | Fax: 704.632.8140
For any questions or further information about the Charlotte Department of Transportation and its initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out.
