Freeway Corridor Economic Impact
Need Statement 712
Problem
Nationally, there are many discussions about rethinking freeway corridor designs. This discussion has been occurring in Minnesota along the I94 corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul and along the I35 corridor in Duluth. One factor in an environmental review is economic impact. In selecting a design alternative, economic impacts should be considered but are difficult to quantify.
Objective
Research is needed to assess the following questions when quantifying the economic impacts of freeway corridor projects.
- What data is available to compare economic impacts of design alternatives? For example, alternatives that reduce the size of the infrastructure footprint vs alternatives that create opportunities to utilize the space above and below the facility.
- What data is necessary to quantify those impacts and what are the economic benefits to adjacent development if these alternatives are considered for implementation?
- What is the potential for gentrification and impact of that land use change?
- How do you value different types of land use on freeway corridors?
- How do you measure the value of mobility?
Previous research
- UMD Study - Economic Effects of the Potential I-35 Conversion in Downtown Duluth
- Highway 61 Revisited - https://www.highway61duluth.com/
- Additional research is found in the literature search document.
Strategic priorities
- Innovation & Future Needs: Assessing economic impact on our communities during freeway corridor design.
- Advancing Equity: Understanding how freeway corridors impact communities and how change can have a positive impact. Multimodal usage of freeway corridors.
- Climate Change & Environment: Potential improvements to air quality.
Expected outcomes
- New or improved manual, handbook, guidelines, or training
- New or improved policy, rules, or regulations
- New or improved business practices, procedure, or process
Expected benefits
- Environmental Aspects: Air Pollution
- Environmental Review.
- MnDOT Policy: Changed or inform a policy
Technical advisory panel
Name and affiliation of individuals to consider for the Technical Advisory Panel.
- Rethinking I-94 Representative
- Lisa Austin
- Environmental Stewardship – Lisa Elliott
- District 1 Planning