Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

• 1.1 Background and Purpose of This Guide
• 1.2 Emergence of Large-Scale Freight Projects
• 1.3 Challenges for Evaluating Large-Scale Projects
• 1.4 Federal-Level Interest and Goals
• 1.5 Cost and Impact Perspectives
• 1.6 Structure of This Guide

2. General Approach

• 2.1 Design of the Framework
• 2.2 Categories of Affected Parties
• 2.3 Five Basic Steps
• 2.4 Using the Analytic Framework in a Two-Tiered Analysis Approach
• 2.5 Basic Information
• 2.6 Analysis Tools
• 2.7 Use of Results

3. Step 1: Define Project Type

• 3.1 Functional Activities
• 3.2 Transportation Improvement Categories
• 3.3 Transportation Benefit and Metrics

4. Step 2: Define Evaluation Issues

• 4.1 Identifying Issues and Audiences
• 4.2 National and Local Issues
• 4.3 Stakeholders: Incidence of Benefits and Costs
• 4.4 Alternative Impact Metrics

5. Step 3: Transportation Impact Tools

• 5.1 Phase 1. Identification of Transportation Efficiency Benefit
• 5.2 Mode-Specific Performance Analysis
• 5.3 Modal Diversion Analysis
• 5.4 Treatment of Carrier and Shipper Costs
• 5.5 Final Analysis and Presentation of Results

6. Step 4: Select and Apply Economic Impact Tools

• 6.1 Phase 1 Screening: Overall Economic Benefit
• 6.2 Industry Reorganization Effects
• 6.3 Establishing National and Local Distinctions
• 6.4 Selection and Application of Economic Models
• 6.5 Final Analysis and Presentation of Results

7. Step 5: Select and Apply Decision Methods

• 7.1 Alternative Views of Benefits
• 7.2 Benefit/Cost Calculation and Presentation
• 7.3 Incidence and Equity of Benefits and Costs

8. Examples of Applying the General Approach

• 8.1 Building Examples of Techniques and Use of the Economic Impact Analysis Framework from Current Practice
• 8.2 Case Study: Baltimore Freight Rail Bypass

9. Generic Framework Forms

• 9.1 Multimodal Project Scenario Input Formats
• 9.2 Economic Impact Output Reports
• 9.3 Multimodal Benefit Assessment Reports

10. Toolbox

• 10.1 Freight Network and Terminal Performance
• 10.2 Modal Diversion and Logistics Cost Models
• 10.3 Cost and Access Benefit Calculations
• 10.4 Economic Simulation Models
• 10.5 Decision Support Tools
• 10.6 References and Links

Appendix A. Integrating Supply Chain Benefits into Economic Analysis

• A.1 Synopsis – A Framework for Assessing the Supply Chain Benefits of Transportation Infrastructure Projects
• A.2 Why Supply Chain Effects Are Important Today
• A.3 How Shippers Convert Transportation Benefits into Competitive Advantage Via Their Supply Chains
• A.4 Leveraging Lower Transport Costs
• A.5 Leveraging Capacity from Fewer Transportation Bottlenecks
• A.6 Secondary Effects
• A.7 Size of the Overall Supply Chain Benefit

Appendix B. Case Studies

• B.1 Summary Case: Inland Empire Rail Shuttle
• B.2 Summary Case: Chicago CREATE
• B.3 Summary Case: Vancouver Gateway’s MCTS Project
• B.4 Summary Case: NY Cross Harbor Freight Rail Tunnel
• B.5 Lessons Learned from the Case Studies