THE FEASIBILITY OF A NATIONWIDE NETWORK FOR LONGER COMBINATION VEHICLES

This is the final report of a study, mandated by Section 138 and 415 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982, on the potential benefits and costs that could be anticipated from the establishment of a nationwide network for longer combination vehicles (LCVs). Impacts on shippers, rail and truck carriers by LCVs, the fuel savings, transportation cost savings and productivity, safety, pavement and bridge impacts, needed highway geometry improvments, and rail freight diversion are evaluated in the determination of network feasiblity. Vehicles considered in the study are Turnpike Doubles (a tractor-semitrailer-trailer coombinatin vehicle with 40- to 48-foot trailers), Rocky Mountain Doubles (a vehicle with one 40- to 48-foot and one 26- to 28-foot trailers), and Triples (a vehicle with three 26- to 28-foot trailers). Vehicle weights are not limited to 80,000 pounds, but range up to the maximum for each configuration based on bridge overstress criteria roughly equivalent to the current statutory "Bridge Formula B" for lighter vehicles. Highways considered for inclusion in the study network include the Interstate System and a few other highways that are similar design as well as significant length. Several approaches to local access have been considered, including establishing staging areas, using access zones, or limiting off-network travel to selected roads that can safely accomodate LCVs. (Author)

• Record URL:
  • https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/feasibility-nationwide-network-longer-combination-vehicles
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report of the Secretary of Transportation to the United States Congress, Pursuant to Sections 138 and 415, Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982.
• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1985-6

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Axle load force; Benefit cost analysis; Economic benefits; Feasibility analysis; Heavy vehicles; Tractor trailer combinations; Trucks
• Uncontrolled Terms: Longer combination vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Truck pavement damage
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Operations and Traffic Management; Society; Vehicles and Equipment; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00399504
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 25 2004 2:08AM