Inland waterways have capacity to spare to help deal with an expected surge in freight movement around the country. Some TLC will be required to maximize that potential, however.
"As projections show a steep increase in freight movement over the next few decades, stakeholders representing inland waterway transportation said they are well-positioned to handle the growing demand but that the federal government needs to help them invest in the projects that will keep things running smoothly," reports Alexander Laska.
Laska is sharing information presented at the TRB Annual Meeting session on the subject. The key takeaway from the session: freight tonnage is growing quickly—expected to rise 40 percent by 2045—but freight movement on inland waterways has been declining and is operating under capacity.
The session also focused on the federal investments that could maximize the opportunity for inland waterways to remove some of the anticipated stress on the national highway system.
FULL STORY: Inland Waterways Stakeholders Highlight Federal Funding Challenges
Volvo to Sell All-Electric Heavy Trucks in North America in 2020
Volvo gained attention last year by announcing it would stop making new internal combustion engine models. Now it plans to electrify its 2020 truck models as well. A demonstration program will be launched in Southern California next year.
100-Year-Old Law Explains Why There Are So Many Trucks on the Highway
A powerful lobby is more in interested in protecting its monopoly than lessening congestion and pollution.
Minnesota-Wisconsin Bridge Awarded $1B in Federal Funding
An important link between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada is due for an upgrade.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’
If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient
A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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