MPC Research Reports
Report Details
Title: | Investment in Rural Roads: Willingness-to-Pay for Improved Gravel Road Service in Freight Transportation |
Authors: | Tamara VanWechel and Kimberly Vachal |
University: | North Dakota State University |
Publication Date: | Dec 2004 |
Report #: | MPC-04-168 |
Project #: | MPC-239 |
TRID #: | 00988082 |
Keywords: | attitudes, distance, freight transportation, gravel roads, highway maintenance, highway safety, improvements, investments, paving, rural highways, signs, size and weight regulations, smoothness, surface course (pavements), surveys, vehicle weight |
Abstract
The study focuses on ascertaining information on user willingness-to-pay and their perceptions of funding for improving gravel roads which support freight transportation service in rural areas. The research considers safety, road type, and maintenance valuation for both gravel and paved road surfaces. The results are beneficial to rural states that are agriculture-based. It includes an assessment of the monetary amount the public is willing to pay for gravel roads and the amount they are willing to pay for paved roads. Determining the relative value of gravel roads and paved roads are included.