SAFETY AND OTHER ISSUES INVOLVING LANDSIDE ACCESS TO SEA PORTS -- A CASE STUDY

Seaports in the United States usually are located in urban areas, and these are major traffic generators on the landside. However, the landside access needs of ports often are overlooked by the transportation and land use planning processes. A case study was performed of three ports on the east coast -- Savannah, GA; Wilmington, NC; and Morehead, NC. Both highway and rail access related issues were examined at regional as well as local levels. Several serious issues and problems are identified and discussed including impact on local communities. Truck accidents at intersections were analyzed, and a mathematical model was developed for predicting truck accidents and problematic intersections. Future opportunities and options for improving landside access at the three locations were identified.