Regional transportation planning is an integral part of economic growth. We recently completed a comprehensive freight gateway study for the San Diego Association of Governments. The goal of the study was to help SANDAG, the Imperial County Transportation Commission and other regional stakeholders better account for goods movement in their regional transportation plan.

We developed an economic forecast of anticipated freight volumes moving in, around, and through the region by 2050. We also identified and analyzed intermodal system issues impacting regional goods movement, including commercial border crossings, maritime and air cargo facilities, pipelines, rail, truck, and warehousing flows.

In addition, we provided insight into the implications of these forecasts, as well as how investments in the regional transportation network could influence freight flow and related industrial and economic development. The results of the study provide planners, decision makers, and freight stakeholders with a tool for managing a sustainable freight network.