Effects of Heavy Trucks on Texas Highways

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of projected truck traffic on the highway system of Texas in consideration of the social and economic vitality of the State. The study included the evaluation of the costs and benefits for a twenty-year planning horizon. Alternative scenarios of future truck traffic were assessed. The study did not consider the effects of changes in the size of trucks, only increases in the gross weights and axle loads. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of projected truck traffic on the highway system of Texas in consideration of the social and economic vitality of the State. The study included the evaluation of the costs and benefits for a twenty-year planning horizon. Alternative scenarios of future truck traffic were assessed. The study did not consider the effects of changes in the size of trucks, only increases in the gross weights and axle loads. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of projected truck traffic on the highway system of Texas in consideration of the social and economic vitality of the State. The study included the evaluation of the costs and benefits for a twenty-year planning horizon. Alternative scenarios of future truck traffic were assessed. The study did not consider the effects of changes in the size of trucks, only increases in the gross weights and axle loads. PREFACE In partial response to Senate Resolution 589 of the 65th Texas Legislature, the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation initiated a study to describe better the relative costs, benefits, and issues surrounding the current and future truck use of Texas highways. This report is a summation of the study scope, methodology, findings, and conclusions of the joint effort performed by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation (DHT) , the Center for Highway Research (CFHR), and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTl). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Several persons have contributed to the preparation of the study reported herein. The authors would like to express appreciation to the following for their assistance: PREFACE In partial response to Senate Resolution 589 of the 65th Texas Legislature, the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation initiated a study to describe better the relative costs, benefits, and issues surrounding the current and future truck use of Texas highways. This report is a summation of the study scope, methodology, findings, and conclusions of the joint …