Freight planning requirements for interstate corridors

There is consensus that transportation planning is at a crossroads. Forces of change include the completion of the Interstate System, advances in information technologies, and the emergence of a global economy. Transportation users seek high-quality service characterized by speed, flexibility, and responsiveness within a competitive environment that assures low cost. The public investment in infrastructure has diminished while control shifts to state and local governments, A debate is underway as to how the planning processes should evolve. Among the new challenges to be faced is the need for improvements in the freight sector, where both private and public interests are strong. This article addresses a complex aspect of intermodal planning which deals with multistate concerns. Specifically, it addresses three requirements for corridor planning: data, analysis tools, and institutional structures. The article also discusses a redefined federal role and the need for cooperation among all governmental levels and for partnerships between the public and private sectors.