Freight Planning

About

Grand Valley Metro Council has been continuing to promote freight planning throughout the development of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). See below for additional details.

GVMC Regional Freight Analysis

GVMC has utilized available freight data, feedback from the Freight Committee provided during the development of the 2045 MTP, and results of a public survey gauging the public’s experiences and perceptions about the movement of goods within Kent and eastern Ottawa County. This is the first phase toward the development of a regional freight plan that will kick off after the development of the 2050 MTP. This document is provided below.

For more information on GVMC’s freight planning efforts, please contact Andrea Faber by phone (616.776.7603) or email for assistance.

Freight Activities/Participation

  • Michigan State Rail Plan

  • Worked with The Right Place and Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce to gather Freight Subcommittee for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan

  • Grand Rapids Chamber Logistics Study

Determination of Critical and Urban Freight Corridors

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) supports GVMC’s planning efforts by maintaining and enhancing the state’s I-, M-, and US- routes, which connect the Grand Rapids area to other freight hubs across the United States. GVMC consults with MDOT in the designation of Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFCs) and Critical Urban Freight Corridors (CUFCs) in GVMC’s MPO area. The FAST Act introduced CRFCs and CUFCs, which are meant to be important freight corridors that provide connectivity to the National Highway Freight Network (NHFC). Designated CRFCs and CUFCs are eligible to receive National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) formula funds and Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program funds. There is a mileage limit in Michigan of 150 rural miles and 75 urban miles. Currently, GVMC has several freight candidate corridors that have been designated by local agencies, but no local designated CRFCs or CUFCs at this time.

Please click here for a map of GVMC’s freight candidate corridors.

Resources