This page has documentation for the currently adopted 2016 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan and the 2008 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan. For information about the 2024 plan in development, visit the 2024 Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan page.
The Atlanta region is a major hub for the movement and distribution of freight, providing access to the fast-growing Port of Savannah and major markets across the Southeast and the U.S.
Every day, millions of tons of freight head for destinations in metro Atlanta or pass through the region to points beyond. Meanwhile, the volume of goods moving in the region continues to grow. By 2040, ARC forecasts a 56 percent increase in freight traffic.
Global logistics trends that will have an impact on Metro Atlanta include:
The Atlanta region’s infrastructure must continue to develop in order to meet the growing demands on freight corridors and routes.
The primary purposes of the Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan Update are to:
This update serves as a guiding document to support the region’s freight movement strategies. The plan builds on previous planning efforts, evaluates recent changes, and identifies potential future freight needs in the region.
The Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan Update creates a roadmap for projects stretching beyond the TIP period. Over 900 potential projects were collected from throughout the region, and 91 improvements emerged from the list after screening for duplicates, relevance and feasibility.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law in November 2021, provides both formula and discretionary funds for freight infrastructure projects.
Formula funds are apportioned to states on an annual basis. The State of Georgia receives approximately $46 million each year through the National Highway Freight Program (NHFP). Funds from numerous other formula programs are also available for use along highways and rail lines to benefit freight movement.
Discretionary funds are competitive in nature and are awarded via a nationwide application process, typically on an annual cycle. As with formula programs, freight projects are eligible under many discretionary programs. But two programs in particular have freight as a particular emphasis: 1) Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA); and 2) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA). Collectively, these two programs were authorized at a maximum of $29 billion over the five years of IIJA, but the annual Congressional appropriations process will likely result in a lower total than this upper threshhold.
Beyond project investments, next steps for the region’s freight fall into two categories, studies and initiatives:
Sub-area, Corridor, and Improvement Studies range from the assessment of highway access for new cargo areas at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the evaluation of railroad grade crossings. Freight cluster plans will conduct detailed planning and engineering analysis in areas with the highest concentrations of freight activity.
Studies may vary but would seek to better understand and manage truck traffic, improve the interaction of freight with other uses, increase freight reliability and productivity, and reduce air emissions.
Strategic initiatives address broad problems and aim to integrate freight throughout the region. One of the key strategic initiatives is a regional truck parking study. A lack of parking spaces for long-haul truck drivers has been identified nationally as a significant safety issue for the trucking industry. This study will assess the truck parking needs of the Atlanta Region and will determine where additional parking may be needed.
Other recommended initiatives would address:
Identifying and programming effective improvements to accommodate increasing freight, goods, and services movement in the Atlanta region is vital to the economic vitality and quality of life of our region. To address freight in a comprehensive manner, ARC undertook the development of a data-driven, policy-based plan for the metropolitan area.
The identification and prioritization of improvements and strategies that accommodate and enhance mobility of both people and goods while mitigating the negative impacts on congestion, safety, environment and quality of life.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
