Sandhills Daily | Transportation & Growth
A careful look at growth estimates that will shape long-term roads, safety, and infrastructure planning.
Local transportation leaders in southern Moore County are taking a careful approach as they review new population growth projections that will guide long-term road and infrastructure planning.
The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMPO) recently reviewed data suggesting Moore County could grow at a rate of about 1.5 percent, reaching nearly 168,600 residents by 2055. That estimate is slightly lower than projections from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, which anticipates more than 172,000 residents by 2050.
Officials from several towns expressed concern about both overestimating and underestimating growth. Population projections directly influence future road designs, traffic flow, safety improvements, and even how much land may be needed for infrastructure.
SMPO leaders emphasized the projections are a planning tool and can be updated over time. The board is expected to continue reviewing the data into January as it works toward completing a long-range metropolitan transportation plan due in December 2026.