Optimizing multi-period freight networks through industrial relocation: A land-use transport interaction modeling approach

This study proposed a method for optimizing a multi-period freight network design problem with industrial relocation (MPNDP-IR). Firstly, a land-use transport interaction (LUTI) model is developed to quantitatively describe the intricate interactions between industrial relocation behavior and freight network upgrades. Then, the proposed LUTI model is integrated into a bilevel programming framework to effectively optimize the multi-period network investment strategies and maximize benefits from relocated industries and freight transshipment. Finally, taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as a case study, the study results indicate that the sensitivity to location utility significantly affects the scope of the beneficial impacts of freight network investment policies, thereby affecting the industrial relocation pattern. Among manufacturing activities, the raw material and chemical industry is most responsive to such network investment policies along an important railway corridor. Under the low-sensitivity scenario, the relocation pattern of such an industry aligns with a gradient relocation mode; while, under the high-sensitivity scenario, it tends to choose a “fly-in” mode. This study provides a decision support method tailored for the MPNDP-IR. It not only simulates the coevolution of different industrial activities and freight network upgrades but also evaluates the spatiotemporal impact of multi-period network investment policies in the context of industrial relocation.