Modeling Investments in County and Local Roads to Support Agricultural Logistics

Abstract

Investments in local roads in North Dakota to support agricultural logistics are estimated with a detailed model that predicts flows from 1,406 crop-producing zones to 317 elevators and plants, and forecasts improvements and maintenance costs for paved and unpaved roads. The study finds that (1) the average farm-to-market trip distance has increased from 12 miles in 1980 to 26 miles in 2009, (2) the estimated resurfacing cost per mile for agricultural distribution routes is 40% greater than for non-agricultural routes, and (3) the estimated cost to maintain acceptable service levels on county and local roads is roughly double historical funding levels.