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Transport corridors and their wider economic benefits: A quantitative review of the literature

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  • Mark Roberts
  • Martin Melecky
  • Théophile Bougna
  • Yan (Sarah) Xu

Abstract

Transport corridors can generate both wider economic benefits (WEBs) and costs through their effects on diverse development outcomes. To advance understanding of how corridors could generate WEBs, this paper undertakes a quantitative review and meta‐analysis of the literature that estimates the impacts of large transport infrastructure projects. The analysis finds that characteristics of individual studies and the design of the transport infrastructure influence estimated benefits. It also shows that, on average, while corridor interventions tend to benefit economic welfare and equity, they often detrimentally impact the environment. To mitigate trade‐offs, policymakers can consider using complementary interventions.

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  • Mark Roberts & Martin Melecky & Théophile Bougna & Yan (Sarah) Xu, 2020. "Transport corridors and their wider economic benefits: A quantitative review of the literature," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 207-248, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jregsc:v:60:y:2020:i:2:p:207-248
    DOI: 10.1111/jors.12467
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    6. Wang, Hua & Meng, Qiang & Wang, Jing & Zhao, De, 2021. "An electric-vehicle corridor model in a dense city with applications to charging location and traffic management," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 79-99.
    7. Badura, Ondřej & Melecký, Aleš & Melecký, Martin, 2023. "Liberalizing passenger rail: The effect of competition on local unemployment," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).
    8. Alam, Muneeza & Herrera Dappe, Matías & Melecky, Martin & Goldblatt, Ran, 2022. "Wider economic benefits of transport corridors: Evidence from international development organizations," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
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