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Highways and Globalization

Author

Listed:
  • Taylor Jaworski
  • Carl Kitchens
  • Sergey Nigai

Abstract

This paper quantifies the value of US highways. We develop a multisector general equilibrium model with many locations in the United States (i.e., counties) and many countries. In the model, producers choose shipping routes subject to domestic and international trade costs, endogenous congestion, and port efficiency at international transshipment points. Applying the model, we find that removing the Interstate Highway System reduces real GDP by $421-$578 billion. The results highlight the gains from intersectoral and international trade as well as the role of domestic transportation infrastructure in shaping regional comparative advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Taylor Jaworski & Carl Kitchens & Sergey Nigai, 2020. "Highways and Globalization," NBER Working Papers 27938, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:27938
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    Other versions of this item:

    • Taylor Jaworski & Carl Kitchens & Sergey Nigai, 2023. "Highways And Globalization," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 64(4), pages 1615-1648, November.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Dávid Krisztián Nagy, 2020. "Hinterlands, City Formation and Growth: Evidence from the U.S. Westward Expansion," Working Papers 1172, Barcelona School of Economics.
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    5. Dave Donaldson & Richard Hornbeck, 2016. "Railroads and American Economic Growth: A "Market Access" Approach," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 131(2), pages 799-858.
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    Cited by:

    1. Calamunci, Francesca & Lonsky, Jakub, 2022. "Highway to Hell? Interstate Highway System and Crime," IZA Discussion Papers 15800, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Nehiba, Cody & Tyndall, Justin, 2023. "Highways and pedestrian deaths in US neighborhoods," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    3. Barde, Sylvain & Klein, Alexander, 2021. "Transportation Costs in the Age of Highways: Evidence from United States 1955-2010," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 597, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies
    • R42 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government and Private Investment Analysis; Road Maintenance; Transportation Planning

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