The American Transportation Research Institute recently ranked the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Freight Plan third in the United States, tying with California.
Departments of transportation were evaluated based on several criteria including freight congestion mitigation, multimodal rural freight corridors, innovative strategies, freight policies, and plans.
The institute also took into consideration factors such as road improvements to reduce pavement deterioration, how well the plans meet U.S. freight goals, strategies to address facilities with freight mobility issues, freight trends and issues in the state, and freight performance measures.
MDOT and 11 other state plans were used to form a checklist in which other states were assessed. They also were used to compile model policies and best practices.
“This recognition speaks volumes about MDOT’s commitment to continue to improve the overall flow of commerce in the state as well as aid the American economy as a whole,” Hal Miller, president of the Mississippi Trucking Association, said. “As the transportation landscape continues to restructure itself based on a new distribution model, it is critical that infrastructure keep up. MDOT’s forward-thinking freight plan is an integral piece of that puzzle. The MTA very much appreciates this outstanding work done by our transportation leaders.”