Trucks drive through the intersection of APD 40 and the Industrial Park in Cleveland.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Bradley County and Cleveland leaders recently heard highlights of a transportation study that projects the amount of freight carried on local roads will double in 20 years.
In a meeting with the Cleveland Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, city planning director Greg Thomas reviewed highlights of a freight management study conducted in the spring.
“It really does have a significant effect on our roadway system and highlights the need to continue to make those improvements within the [planning organization] that make it possible for industries and businesses to move their freight,” Thomas said.
The study by Cambridge Systematics Inc. estimated that 9.4 million tons of freight travel on Cleveland roads each year. Projections are that amount will increase to 18.9 million tons by 2035.
At least 90 percent of Cleveland’s freight is transported by truck, Thomas said, and 51 percent of Bradley County employment is tied to goods-dependent industries, as opposed to service-based industries.