Improving Intermodal Connectivity in Rural Areas to Enhance Transportation Efficiency: A Case Study

Project Description

Texas experiences high levels of congestion in several of its leading economic centers. This study examines the economic feasibility of an intermodal terminal in west Texas and its implications for reducing roadway maintenance costs, CO₂ emissions, and truck transport in Texas¿ metropolitan areas. An intermodal terminal would allow cotton to access the intermodal system near its production location, removing the need for truck transport into the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

The analyses show an intermodal terminal in west Texas¿ intensive cotton-production region (Lubbock) to be economically viable. Implementation of an intermodal terminal that handles approximately 2 million cotton bales is estimated to annually reduce truck (80,000-lb, five-axle) travel on state roadways by 3.75 to 4.53 million loaded truck-miles and lower pavement maintenance expenditure by approximately $1 million. The estimated value of reduced CO₂ emissions ranges up to $0.705 million per year. Finally, estimated traffic into the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex would be reduced by 13,800 to 16,700 trucks per year. In summary, the analyses suggest that investments in intermodal terminals in rural areas may offer opportunities to improve marketing system efficiency, and reduce roadway maintenance costs and vehicle emissions.

Link

Link: Final Report

For More Information