Development and Analysis of a GIS-Based Statewide Freight Data Flow Network

Abstract

In the face of many risks of disruptions to our transportation system, this research improves the Washington State Department of Transportation’s ability to manage the freight transportation system so that it minimizes the economic consequences of transportation disruptions. This report summarizes 1) the results from a thorough review of resilience literature and resilience practices within enterprises and organizations, 2) the development of a geographic information system (GIS)-based statewide freight transportation network model, 3) the collection of detailed data regarding two important industries in Washington state, the distribution of potatoes and diesel fuel, and 4) analysis of the response of these industries to specific disruptions to the state transportation network. The report also includes recommendations for improvements and additions to the GIS model that will further the state’s goals of understanding the relationship between infrastructure availability and economic activity, as well as recommendations for improvements to the statewide freight transportation model so that it can capture additional system complexity.