Landside Freight Access to Airports: Findings and Case Studies (0-6265-1)

Texas' airports play a large role in the national and regional movement of goods by air. This includes goods moved within the state, across the country, and internationally to several continents. Most of this movement of goods is accomplished at the largest airports in Texas. However, as freight demand grows, a time will come when other airports will need to be utilized to accommodate additional demand. Properly planned transportation infrastructure is critical to ensure the vitality of an airport's freight operations. Time-sensitive air freight requires high levels of operational efficiency, which is generally optimized by taking steps to ensure both freight and passenger roadway access within the airport boundaries. Connections and design features of regional highways near the airports are no less important because they allow access to these important economic generators. This research report identifies the issues, barriers, physical bottlenecks (e.g., infrastructure needs), and solutions (including funding mechanisms) concerning landside access to airports in Texas. Inner city airports in large metropolitan areas sometimes face roadway geometric challenges, but typically have relatively low cargo activity levels. Shipping representatives stated that wayfinding is a key characteristic in providing good landside freight access to airports. Signage needs to be visible and informative in advance of necessary turns or lane changes. Efforts need to be taken to minimize comingling of freight and passenger traffic in areas near the passenger terminals. A variety of funding opportunities exist through public, private, and shared sources to improve access to airports.