Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Freight Management and Operations, developed the Urban Freight Cases Studies as a way to document notable practices in urban goods movement. These case studies provide information on freight-related initiatives that mitigate congestion and improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicle travel in urban areas. Washington, DC is one of four urban areas selected for study. The other areas are Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York City.
In order to develop the most useful case studies, FHWA conducted an extensive review of freight-related projects and strategies that provide practical information and transferable solutions to the challenges that confront urban goods movement. The project team also conducted site visits and interviews with organizations involved in project implementation, including state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), city governments, and private-sector businesses. The results of the site visits and interviews are highlighted here.
Washington, DC is home to a vibrant business district, a large tourist industry, important federal and local government agencies, world-renowned universities, dynamic entertainment centers, mixed-use commercial areas, and high-density residential neighborhoods. The Washington metropolitan area, which includes the District of Columbia and Maryland and Virginia suburbs, has one of the worst traffic congestion problems in the country. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, Washington, DC ranks third in annual hours of delay per traveler. Thus, the management of goods and services delivery is an important issue facing the area.
The primary elements of Washington, DC's freight management, operations, planning, and implementation activities include:
- A Downtown Curb-Space Management Plan that optimizes curbside utilization,
- The Washington Convention Center Transportation Operations and Parking Plan that addresses the management of truck activities at the Convention Center and neighborhood concerns, and
- The District of Columbia Motor Carrier Management and Threat Assessment Study that provides a framework for the creation of a comprehensive motor carrier management program.