Expanding the Set of Efficiency Gains of a Highway Investment: Conceptual, Methodological and Practical Issues

The benefit-cost analysis method is the traditional approach for assessing the economic soundness of highway improvement projects. However, with the advent of cost saving tools such as just-in-time operations, it is now desireable to incorporate logistical considerations in the analysis. The logistical cost savings approach is an example of such an integrated approach. It has numerous advantages over the traditional approach, including more complete and accurate estimation of benefits accruing to the users of freight transportation.