Charlotte, North Carolina, a rapidly growing urban center, relies on a robust and efficient transportation system to keep its residents and visitors moving. At the heart of this system is the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), an organization committed to planning, operating, and maintaining the city’s diverse transportation network. CDOT plays a pivotal role in shaping the daily experiences of everyone who lives in or travels through Charlotte, ensuring a balance between driving, cycling, and pedestrian needs.
Investing in Charlotte’s Infrastructure for a Connected Future
CDOT understands that a thriving city depends on well-maintained and future-ready infrastructure. Investing in this infrastructure is not just about fixing roads; it’s about building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued growth and prosperity. These investments manifest in various ways, from innovative pedestrian safety measures to expanding the city’s network of bike-friendly routes.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons: Enhancing Crosswalk Safety
One example of CDOT’s commitment to safety is the implementation of pedestrian hybrid beacons. These beacons, strategically placed at crosswalks, are designed to increase visibility and safety for pedestrians crossing busy streets. Activated by pedestrians when needed, these beacons provide a clear signal to drivers to stop, allowing for safer crossings and contributing to Charlotte’s Vision Zero goal.
Bike Lanes: Expanding Options for Sustainable Transportation
Recognizing the growing importance of sustainable transportation, CDOT actively invests in expanding Charlotte’s network of bike lanes. These dedicated lanes not only provide cyclists with safer routes for commuting and recreation but also encourage a greener transportation culture within the city. By creating more bike-friendly infrastructure, CDOT supports a healthier and more environmentally conscious Charlotte.
About CDOT: Enhancing Mobility for Residents and Visitors
CDOT’s core mission is to enhance the overall transportation experience in Charlotte. This encompasses improving conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The department focuses on strategic planning, efficient operations, and diligent maintenance of the city’s transportation infrastructure. A key objective is to ensure that Charlotte’s transportation assets are not only sustained but also continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors.
Key Focus Areas: Connecting Charlotte Through Action
CDOT’s work is guided by four key focus areas, all centered around the overarching goal of “Connecting Charlotte”:
We Maintain Mobility Assets: This area focuses on the essential day-to-day upkeep of Charlotte’s transportation network. From routine street maintenance and repairs to rapid emergency response, CDOT ensures that the city’s roads, sidewalks, and related infrastructure remain in good condition and are sustainable for the long term.
We Operate Mobility Systems: CDOT utilizes real-time monitoring and advanced systems to manage Charlotte’s interconnected traffic signals and streets. This operational focus aims to optimize traffic flow, enhance safety, and ensure efficient movement for all modes of transportation, from cars and buses to bikes and pedestrians.
We Manage the Public Right-of-Way: The public right-of-way is a valuable and often contested space. CDOT plays a crucial role in regulating and managing its diverse uses, including parking, utility installations, construction projects, and public events. This management ensures responsible and equitable access and usage of these public spaces for the benefit of all Charlotte residents.
We Design Mobility Strategy: Looking towards the future, CDOT is responsible for planning and designing new capital projects that strategically invest in streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and public transit. This proactive approach aims to build a safe, equitable, and multimodal transportation system that supports Charlotte’s long-term growth and connectivity.
Vision Zero: Charlotte’s Commitment to Transportation Safety
Safety is paramount in all of CDOT’s initiatives. The City of Charlotte has made a strong commitment to creating a safe transportation system for every user, a principle that guides every decision made by the department. Recognizing that even one traffic-related death is unacceptable, Charlotte renewed its dedication to safer streets in 2018 by launching Vision Zero.
Vision Zero is an ambitious action plan with the goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030. Inspired by the global Vision Zero movement that originated in Sweden in 1997, this strategy acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, traffic fatalities are not. Vision Zero focuses on designing a transportation system that minimizes the consequences of mistakes and prioritizes the safety, health, and mobility of all users. To learn more about this critical initiative and to take the Vision Zero pledge, visit CharlotteNC.gov/VisionZero.
CDOT Divisions: Specialized Services Working Together
CDOT is a large and multifaceted department within the City of Charlotte, employing over 400 individuals across five specialized divisions. Each division plays a vital role in delivering essential services that directly impact the daily lives of Charlotte’s residents and visitors.
Development Services: Managing Growth and Public Rights-of-Way
The Development Services Division is crucial in managing Charlotte’s rapid growth. This division collaborates with developers and utility providers to integrate new development while maintaining efficient mobility. It also works closely with event organizers to ensure the safe and successful utilization of public rights-of-way for various events. Development Services is comprised of two sections: Land Development and Right-of-Way Management, both essential for balancing growth with accessibility.
Planning and Design: Shaping Charlotte’s Transportation Future
The Planning and Design Division is responsible for the long-term vision and strategic development of Charlotte’s transportation network. Recognizing the direct link between a city’s environment and its transportation infrastructure, this division considers factors such as air quality, economic development, traffic congestion, and urban aesthetics in its planning processes. The division plays a key role in developing the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and implementing strategic mobility capital investments, ensuring a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to transportation in Charlotte.
Engineering and Operations: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency on the Roads
The Engineering and Operations Division is the operational arm of CDOT, responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of traffic and pedestrian signals, road signs, and pavement markings. This division is also deeply involved in enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety through the city’s Vision Zero program. With a focus on creating a balanced system for all users – motorists, transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists – Engineering and Operations strives to optimize traffic flow and promote a walkable and sustainable community.
Strategic Mobility: Planning for the Future of Movement
The Strategic Mobility Division focuses on long-range planning and policy development to ensure safe and equitable mobility options for all Charlotte residents. Comprising the Mobility Planning and Policy section and the Curbside Management and Shared Mobility section, this division works to implement the vision outlined in the Strategic Mobility Plan. It also oversees key programs such as On-Street Parking, Bicycle Program, and Shared Mobility initiatives, all designed to create a more connected and accessible Charlotte.
Street Maintenance: Keeping Charlotte’s Streets in Top Condition
Maintaining over 2,500 miles of city-maintained streets is the responsibility of the Street Maintenance Division. With over 200 dedicated employees, this division ensures that Charlotte’s streets, drainage systems, and sidewalks are safe and well-maintained. Organized into three districts – Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest – Street Maintenance provides localized attention to infrastructure needs across the city, ensuring that Charlotte’s roadways are in optimal condition.
Our Leadership: Guiding CDOT’s Vision
Debbie Smith, Department Director – As the Director, Debbie Smith leads CDOT, providing strategic direction and overseeing all departmental operations. Her leadership is crucial in implementing CDOT’s vision for a connected and safe Charlotte. Learn more about her insights in this Fast Five interview.
Justin Carroll, Deputy Director – Serving as Deputy Director, Justin Carroll plays a key role in supporting the Director and managing the daily operations of CDOT. His expertise is vital in ensuring the department’s efficiency and effectiveness. Further details about his role can be found in the CDOT Leadership Booklet (PDF, 1MB).
Charlie Jones, Deputy Director – Also a Deputy Director, Charlie Jones contributes significantly to CDOT’s leadership team. His responsibilities include overseeing specific areas within the department and ensuring alignment with CDOT’s overall goals. More information about his role is available in the CDOT Leadership Booklet (PDF, 1MB).
Our Team: Connecting with the Community
CDOT emphasizes collaboration and community engagement. The entire team works together to support the department’s leadership, address community questions, and actively seek feedback to improve street updates and enhance safety, efficiency, and walkability throughout Charlotte.
Key Contacts within the CDOT Team:
- Executive Assistant to the Director: Lynn Alexander ([email protected])
- Public Relations Manager: Tamara Blue ([email protected])
- Customer Relations: Kayla Losh ([email protected])
- Customer Relations: Amaya Maduegbunam ([email protected])
CDOT Office: 600 E. Fourth St. Charlotte, NC 28202 | Phone: 704.336.4119 | Fax: 704.632.8140
Staying informed about road closures, city events, and neighborhood resources is easy with CDOT. Connect with them through their social media channels:
By understanding the structure, functions, and key initiatives of the Charlotte Department of Transportation, residents and visitors can better navigate and appreciate the city’s commitment to a well-connected and thriving urban environment.
