Research Project

Upper Midwest Freight Corridor Study

The objective of this study is to establish a regional approach for improving freight transportation in the Upper Midwest based on a multi-state, multi-jurisdictional partnership of public and private sector stakeholder interests.

Principal Investigator
Kawamura, Kazuya
Research Area(s)
Freight
Funding Source
US DOT Pooled Fund (Ohio – lead, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin)

Abstract

The Upper Midwest serves as a critical corridor for domestic and international freight moving in all directions.  It is projected that these freight movements will increase significantly in the future. Shifts in federal and public agency policy relative to infrastructure management and expansion, budgeting decisions and staff resource allocations have and will impact the safe and efficient movement of goods within the region.  At the same time private sector interests insist on an equitable approach for all modes and allows industry to remain competitive in the region.  Without proper collaboration and communication between the two sectors, and between the states and planning agencies of the region, the impacts of projected freight growth will pose an even greater challenge. A report or paper from this research is not immediately available.