PROJECT OVERVIEW

I-10 is a major interstate highway and a major economic corridor that stretches coast to coast across the southern United States. The corridor spans eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Why is freight important?
De-regulation of the shipping industry along with the shrinking costs of cargo transportation over the past 15 to 20 years have changed the nature of the freight business. For years, the industry "pushed" freight to consumers. Goods were shipped and warehoused until needed.

Today, the business model is changed - freight shipments are driven by consumer demand and inventories are smaller. Merchandise is "warehoused" in trucks moving along highways. The overall demand for goods is greater, which increases the demands on our transportation network.

Why the I-10 Study?
The transportation agencies in the eight states through which I-10 traverses have joined together to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the overall corridor system. The study will assess the need for, and feasibility of, a broad range of options to facilitate the movement of goods along the corridor. A Steering Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), comprised of officials from each of the eight states, are overseeing the study.

The National I-10 Freight Corridor Study seeks to gather information about freight movement, inventory the physical condition of the interstate, identify operational problems for all motorists on I-10, and determine what improvements can be made to ease congestion and enhance safety.

The study also will elicit information about how truck traffic along I-10 affects air quality, highway safety, road maintenance, and the economies and job markets in the communities linked to the corridor. Although the study is focusing primarily on freight movement along I-10, consideration will be given to roadways that feed I-10 from large freight moving areas, such as manufacturing and distribution centers, sea ports, air cargo facilities and railroad intermodal yards.

To ensure an enhanced transportation system, the study will pinpoint I-10's problems and identify strategic solutions to meet the continuous growth in trade traffic along I-10, assist the state Departments of Transportation in highway system improvements, and provide efficient, reliable, and safe transportation of goods. The results of the study will include options for improving Interstate 10 in specific locations. Ideas for utilizing technology to enhance truck movement, communicating with motorists, and speeding up emergency response times also will be included.

Although the study focuses on freight movement, it is intended to be inclusive in nature, encompassing the effects on all communities and all people within the I-10 corridor.

The results of the study will provide for phasing in strategies, beginning in 2008 and continuing until 2025.