Feasibility of Tube Transportation to Relieve Highway Congestion
Author(s):
Z.A. Goff, S.S. Patil, C.S. Shih
Publication Date:
March 2001
Abstract:
Currently, Texas urban areas face congestion problems that diminish personal mobility and freight-transport productivity. The prospect of rural congestion in some highway corridors appears imminent, according to a recent Texas Department of Transportation study. An increasing number of experts suggest that separating freight traffic from passenger traffic makes sense in terms of economics, the environment, and safety. Some experts suggest that freight pipelines are the solution. The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of freight pipelines as a viable mode of cargo transport that can alleviate congestion on Texas highways. Specifically, this research employs theoretical and practical methods in: identifying and evaluating transportation corridors amenable to freight pipeline use; identifying, evaluating, and selecting appropriate freight pipeline systems; evaluating the technical, institutional, and economic feasibility of freight pipelines on selected corridors; and estimating environmental, energy, and safety benefits.
Report Number:
1803-S
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/1803-S.pdf
Publication/Product Request
TTI reports and products are available for download at no charge. If an electronic version is not available and no instructions on how to obtain it are given, contact the TTI Library.