2022 Draft Freight Plan

The draft version of the Delaware Freight Plan is now available:

Delaware Freight Plan Executive Summary (Draft)

• Delaware Freight Plan (Draft)
• • Appendix A: Federal Freight Planning Requirements by Code
  • Appendix B: Delaware Freight Collaboration (2020-2022)
  • Appendix C: Delaware Details for the National Highway Freight Network
  • Appendix D: Delaware Freight Emphasis Areas (IIJA-Based)
  • Appendix E: Delaware Freight Scenario Planning Summary
  • Appendix F: Delaware Truck Bottleneck Analysis Details
  • Appendix G: Freight Project Candidates – Truck Bottleneck Improvements
  • Appendix H: Freight Project Candidates – Port Strategic Plan References
  • Appendix I: Freight Project Candidates – Screening Details
  • Appendix J: Funding Highlights – Federal Programs
  • Appendix K: Funding Highlights – Delaware Estimates (FY 2022-2026)
  • Appendix L: Delaware Freight Investment Plan for NHFP Funding

The freight plan update will:

• Meet all current federal freight planning guidelines
• Provide a complete overview of current freight trends in Delaware
• Utilize the latest supply chain/technology to further express the impact of freight in Delaware
• Identify policy needs and strategies to ensure the efficient movement of freight in Delaware
• Identify key freight projects and related investment plans (TIP/CTP) for a five-year forecast period
• Further develop and amplify collaborative efforts among freight stakeholders, as well as regional, state, and local partners

Freight Plan Key Elements

• Statewide Freight Goals, Objectives, Visions
• Existing Economic Context/Commodity Flows
• Existing Freight Transportation System
• Freight Trends, Needs Issues
• Freight Policy Guidance and Beyond

Freight Inventory and Trend Assessments

• Jason’s Law Truck Parking
• Delaware Portion of National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) – Primary Freight Network, CUFC/CRFC, Remaining MAP-21& FAST Act, NHS Routes
• Multimodal Networks
• Truck Parking Availability (designated/undesignated)
• Freight Industry and Supply Chain Insights/Delaware Supply Chain Analytics
  • Agriculture
  • Chemical
• Freight Bottlenecks

Ongoing Freight Studies

• Truck Bottlenecks Identification (2022)
• Delaware Statewide Truck Parking Study (2021)
• Delaware First/Final Mile Freight Network Development (2021)
• Planning for Freight-Related Development Summary and Checklist (2021)
• Port of Wilmington Area Alternatives Study (2021)
• Dover Air Cargo Freight Access Study (2019)
• Harrington Multimodal Freight Terminal Feasibility Study (2021)
• Rail Freight Zoning Study (2018 & 2022)
• Development of a Truck Restrictions Database (2022-tentative)
• West Dover East/West Truck Study

Current Freight Conditions in Delaware

• View an updated inventory of Delaware's existing freight network with displays of traffic conditions, truck parking, truck bottleneck's, etc.

We Want to Hear From You

• Please give your freight related input on any areas in the state using this user-friendly map.
• Cooper Bowers - Transportation Planner – cooper.bowers@delaware.gov, (302) 760-2153

Delaware Freight

Our transportation system is not only used to move people from one place to another but also to ship the commodities that we need in our everyday lives. Trucks, ships, and rail lines are used to move goods to and from stores, factories, and other locations. This has a significant impact on our transportation system. The New Castle County region alone generates nearly 37 million tons of freight annually, making freight a largest contributor to the regions' economic success. What is equally important is that over 72 million tons pass through the region each year, adding significant traffic to our expressways and other major arterials.

Nationwide, freight has been growing at 2.5 percent to 3 percent per year and is forecasted to continue this growth through at least 2035. This leads to a near doubling of freight volumes every 20 years. This is faster than the growth rates for passenger vehicles, leading to a higher percentage of heavy trucks on the roadways. As the share of heavy trucks increases, concerns regarding congestion, safety, and air pollution prompt the need for system improvements.