Year 4 Report on the Technical and Economic Feasibility of a Freight Pipeline System in Texas

Planning for growth in freight transportation throughout Texas has become a significant challenge, particularly along the Interstate 35 corridor. Reasonably, the expected construction and maintenance expenses required to accommodate this growth led to a four-year research project to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of using a freight-conveying pipeline to reduce highway truck traffic on I-35. This report summarizes the findings of research performed in the first three years and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of employing such a system with regard to the participation of both public and private sectors. Recommendations are then made for an innovative system that integrates the favorable aspects of this concept into the Texas Department of Transportation's plans for new statewide freight corridors. Substantial emphasis is given to presenting the need for attracting private investors and creating attractive shipping alternatives for the transportation industry, and to the challenges presented by both alternative and traditional transportation fuels.