Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it has proposed a series of highways to serve as a Primary Freight Network (PFN).
The designation was a MAP-21 requirement. MAP-21 called on the Secretary of Transportation to designate up to 27,000 miles of interstates and other roadways as a Primary Freight Network to “help states strategically direct resources toward improving freight movement.The Federal Register notice identifies more than 41,000 miles of comprehensive, connected roadway that a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) analysis shows would be necessary to transporting goods efficiently on highways throughout the nation to make up the highway PFN.”
The FHWA invites comments on designation of the proposed routes.
The PFN is based on the origins and destination of freight, shipment tonnage, along with truck traffic volumes and population.
“Freight movement is the lifeblood of the American economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “To create jobs, remain competitive and strengthen the economy, we must develop a more strategic approach to moving freight, and identifying the highways that are most critical for freight is a key part of that effort.”
“Our highways are essential to commerce and the American traveler,” said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. “By identifying critical freight highways, we will focus more attention on the routes upon which America’s businesses rely.”