A comprehensive transportation plan (CTP) is a mutually adopted, multimodal transportation planning set of vision maps that serves present and anticipated travel demand in a safe and effective manner, for a local area, metropolitan planning area, or county. A CTP is composed of four vision maps: highway, public transportation and rail, bicycle, and in the future, pedestrian. A cover map provides pertinent information regarding the plan adoption and subsequent updates and revisions. The development of the recommendations for a CTP is contained in a corresponding report. Incorporating the SHC initiative primarily relates to the highway element of a CTP.

In relation to a CTP, the SHC Vision Plan is thought of as the highway element of a statewide CTP. Both local CTPs and the SHC initiative are based on a vision corresponding to the NCDOT Facility Types, with only a slight difference in illustration of Thoroughfares. Engineers and planners developing CTPs should do so in a manner that maintains consistency with the SHC Vision Plan. This practice should help provide consistent recommendations on corridors between and through planning areas. Incorporating the statewide and regional mobility goals and the desired vision of SHC initiative should be done in a manner that fits with the character and vision for the community or county. If this cannot be achieved through the use of existing facilities, an alternative solution should be sought.