Efficient freight provision should be an economic development priority of the Commonwealth. Rail and truck freight is facing encroachment from residential and commercial development.  Routes are increasingly fragmented.  The state’s unbalanced reliance on truck freight over rail is exacerbating existing congestion and roadway maintenance issues.  A comprehensive statewide priority needs assessment is needed.  EOTPW is currently conducting a Statewide Freight plan.  This planning process should incorporate asset need assessment elements including:  

• Conduct a statewide freight asset inventory
• Establish infrastructure investment priorities
• Establish freight corridors and focus investment and freight preservation within these corridors
• Review and amend current truck freight tolling rates in relationship to roadway impacts
• Recommend appropriate locations to separate freight and passenger rail
• Establish freight project evaluation and benchmarking
• Recommend methods for improving the communication among the Commonwealth, MPOs, RPAs, municipalities, and private freight carriers
• Develop recommendations to improve the freight connection from the Port of Boston and Connolly Terminal to the state’s main railways
• Assess the viability and benefit of creating double-stacking routes

MPOs and the state should jointly develop freight project evaluation criteria linked to state plan

31.a    EOTPW should complete the Statewide Freight plan currently underway

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