Even the casual observer can readily determine that freight plays a critical role throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest. With ore carriers delivering salt, sand, gravel and other aggregate materials routinely to the harbor in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor…with semi-tractor trailers strung along Interstates 94 and 196 day after day…and with long CSX trainloads of coal and other commodities chasing the rails hugging the Lake Michigan shore, freight traffic is substantial in our region. Those who keep tabs on our traffic and tonnage might like to take a look at the Michigan Department of Transportation’s latest draft plans for freight in the state, especially if they’d like the chance to deliver some input to administrators of the plan going forward.
From now through September 29th, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) draft Michigan Freight Plan, which is a supplement to the 2040 MI Transportation Plan, is available for public review and comment.
The Michigan Freight Plan provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s freight transportation system, including existing assets, system performance, and the investments required to ensure long-term success. Freight is defined as any good, product, or raw material carried by commercial transportation, including air, highway, rail, and water.
A multi-modal and intermodal resource, the plan provides an overall framework for freight system improvements and priorities. It is an element of the 2040 MI Transportation Plan and integrates its overall vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and decision-making principles.
The plan is available online by clicking the link below. It can also be found at MDOT’s region offices, or at Transportation Service Centers. Comments can be made electronically at the link below, or by writing to:
Geralyn Ayers
Public Involvement and Hearings Officer
Bureau of Highway Development
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
Here’s the link to the report and your chance to respond electronically, online:
http://www.michigan.gov/freightplan
To discuss the draft plan in more detail, a public webinar is scheduled from 9 to 10am on September 12th. To join the webinar, you are asked to register at the Freight Plan website in order to participate. Details, including web address and audio connection information, will be sent with an e-mail confirmation. Webinar registration and copies of the plan also may be obtained by calling Geralyn Ayers at 517-373-2227.
The team at MDOT is working with their partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for Michigan’s transportation systems.
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