University of California Transportation Center

The nation is facing increasing international economic competition. Seaports and their supporting surface transportation system play an important role in helping the American economy remain strong and competitive.

A critical link in the complex intermodal chain is on land -- primarily outside immediate port boundaries. There are indications that surface transportation is under stress. Surface transportation infrastructure may not be up to the demands of growing seaport cargo flows. In many locations, surface access is handicapped by aging and/or deteriorating infrastructure in need of better maintenance, rehabilitation or replacement. In others, altogether new infrastructure is necessary.