A Chicago area study claims the rising volume of freight threatens to overwhelm roads and railways over the next 25 years and offers a plan, which includes rail development and – you guessed it -- tolls.

“The Metropolis Freight Plan: Delivering the Goods” examines the connection between land use, the movement of goods by rail and truck and how it impacts economic development of the region. The plan outlines steps to prevent freight gridlock. The plan was unveiled Monday by Chicago Metropolis 2020, a business-based civic organization.
The plan recommends:
* Use barrier-free tolling technology to charge variably-priced tolls on the most congested highways.
* Designate and protect freight centers. Ensure that industrial investments are targeted to corridors that can minimize freight trips.
* Maximize rail. Preserve land for rail corridors and intermodal terminals.
* Eliminate gaps in the truck route network. Spend at least $3 billion over the next 25 years to improve and expand more arterial streets.
* Create county planning organizations to develop, fund and coordinate freight plans.
For more information, visit www.chicagometropolis2020.org.