For more information, visit the Study's homepage at http://www.uppermidwestfreight.org.
| Project ID: | 06-09 |
| Research Project: | Upper Midwest Freight Corridor Study-Phase II |
| P.I. Name & Address: | Teresa Adams, Director Midwest Regional University Transportation Center 1415 Engineering Drive 2205 Engineering Hall Madison, WI 53706 adams@engr.wisc.edu |
| Project Objective: | The intent of the study is to maintain a regional approach for freight transportation in the Upper Midwest states based on a multi-state, multi-jurisdictional partnership of public and private sector stakeholders. This partnership considers and addresses short and long-term issues surrounding anticipated increases in freight movement within the region and the likely impacts on the region's infrastructure and economic health. The specific objectives include: Development of a Regional Freight Agenda, facilitating discussions of a regional approach to deploying commercial vehicle-related intelligent transportation systems and maintenance and improvement of the regional information system on freight. |
| Project Abstract: | Maintaining a regional approach for freight transportation in the Upper Midwest states based on multi-state, multi-jurisdictional partnership of public and private sector stakeholders is the main intent. This partnership considers and addresses short and long term issues surrounding anticipated increases in freight movement within the region and likely impacts on the region’s infrastructure and economic health. Phase II’s research will reflect many benefits. These benefits include: helping the region solicit for federal funding from a strong position, applying to have the corridor obtain National Significance, enabling sectors to reach a comprehensive approach toward freight, spread the understanding of the processes and practices employed by neighboring states relative to freight, use a collaborative approach in the project planning and delivery, bridge the gap of the private and public sectors relative to decision making and practices, and lastly build on existing studies and efforts to ensure that duplication efforts are avoided or minimized. The results of this phase will help bring together the region to have a better understanding of freight movements and state funding |
| Task Descriptions: | Task 1-Research and document national freight programs Task 2- Review and document the impact of participation in those programs on the funding received by states in the region. Task 3-Prepare whitepapers on policy options that the region could consider for freight Task 4-Facilitate a regional dialog. Task 5-Draft a regional freight agenda. Task 6- Prepare outreach materials to explain the importance of freight for the region and the agenda adopted by the region. Task 7- Make presentations on regional freight, as requested by the states. Task 8- Develop and maintain communication links with key national organizations on freight, including TRB, AASHTO, FHWA, FRA, etc. Task 9- Prepare a white paper outlining the current state of CVO-related ITS in the region. Task 10- Prepare white papers outlining the probable benefits of ITS implementation. Task 11- Facilitate a dialog within the region on ITS Task 12- Draft a conceptual regional deployment plan. Task 13- Improve the documentation of the existing information Task 14- Develop inquiry routines to answer frequently asked questions. Task 15- Begin a dialog with regional freight analysts on regional freight information needs. Task 16- Review and summarize national efforts to improve freight data sources. Task 17- Begin a dialog with state information managers to determine what information is available related to freight. |
| Milestones, Dates: | 14 months, September 1, 2005 to October 31, 2006; November 15-16, 2005, April TBA, 2006 |
| Budget: | $246,299.79 |
| Matching Funds & %: | $140,000 (56.8%) provided by the UMFCS, Phase II Pooled Fund $106,230 (43.1%) provided by the MRUTC |
| Student Involvement: | Several graduate and undergraduate students will be working on this project under supervision of principal investigator. |
| Modal Orientation: | Highway, Rail, Air, Water Borne |