Regional Freight & Goods Movement Studies
The freight planning efforts of the Nashville Area MPO are ongoing and largely based on a series of studies being conducted to help integrate freight-related goals into the regional long range transportation planning process.
Phase I (Completed in 2003)
In 2003, the Nashville Area MPO published the results from Phase I of the Regional Freight and Goods Movement Study. That report served to highlight the role that the freight industry plays in the success of our local economy and to illustrate the movement of freight in, around, and through our region. The principal goal of that study was to build a foundation to formally integrate freight into the overall MPO planning process. To that end, the study was designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Establish the basis for subsequent freight planning efforts by assembling a regional Freight Advisory Committee and developing a regional freight profile.
- Identify quick-action freight related strategies, policies and projects specific to the Nashville area that could be implemented into the MPO's plans and programs.
Phase II (Current)
Building upon the accomplishments of Phase I of the Regional Freight & Goods Movement Study, the Nashville Area MPO is completing an effort to identify and plan for long-term freight needs in the Nashville region. Phase II of the study provides the needed technical tools to help regional partners:
- Predict future freight traffic volumes through the year 2035.
- Identify areas likely to see future capacity constraints and infrastructure deficiencies
- Identify possible traffic bottlenecks and safety concerns
- Evaluate the costs and benefits of potential improvements
The second phase of the study also will be used to develop specific long-range transportation projects, identify potential funding sources for those projects, and evaluate policy-based solutions to accommodate future levels of freight on our regional transportation system while protecting the mobility and safety of the traveling public.
Study Documents
Phase II will produce the following documents that will make recommendations and be referenced in the development of the LRTP update.
