East-West Gateway Council of Governments’ (EWG) freight planning program is designed to assure the full incorporation of freight into the transportation planning process. EWG achieves this through stakeholder engagement, research, and the treatment of freight in the Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
St. Louis Regional Freight Study
In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and the regional freight community, EWG completed an evaluation of St. Louis’ regional freight system. The St. Louis Regional Freight Study established the regional economic impact of the freight industry, the adequacy of existing infrastructure relative to existing and future demand, and opportunities for enhancing the St. Louis region’s role in the national and international freight movement system.
The intent of the Freight Study is to frame support for conclusions regarding the current status of freight movement through the St. Louis region, as well as the future ability of local freight infrastructure to sustain growth in jobs and economic opportunity for the region in rapidly changing domestic and global economies.
Strategic Action Plan
EWG established a Freight Working Group to establish a Strategic Action Plan for St. Louis’ Regional Freight Partnership. The Strategic Action Plan represents the Working Group’s recommendations for moving forward with the establishment of a regional freight district and associated authority – the St. Louis Regional Freightway.
Other Freight Planning Efforts
IDOT and MoDOT have undertaken freight studies in recent years. IDOT developed the Southwestern Illinois Freight Transportation Study and the Freight Mobility Plan. MoDOT developed the Missouri State Freight Plan.
Partners & Initiatives
Many entities work together on freight initiatives in the St. Louis region, including:
- St. Louis Regional Freightway
- Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council
- MoDOT
- Illinois Freight Advisory Council
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- St. Louis Regional Chamber
- St. Louis Development Corporation
- St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Data Resources
The Freight Analysis Framework provides data on freight movement among states and major metropolitan areas. The Transportation Research Board undertakes many freight transportation related program and activities.