FREIGHT FLOW FORECASTING--AN APPLICATION TO NEW JERSEY HIGHWAYS

This paper presents a methodology for forecasting freight flows over regional transportation networks. This methodology may be used by state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and county transportation planners as a planning tool for identifying the most heavily traveled links of transportation networks and determining the direction of flow for major commodity groups. The model may also be used to estimate the major routes for movement of hazardous materials and to ascertain the impact of freight flows on pavement maintenance. Application of the methodology to the state of New Jersey (U.S.) indicates that the most heavily freight-flow utilized routes are Interstate 80, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 202.