Abstract

The Chicago–East Coast Corridor is a network of highways and railroad tracks connecting Chicago to cities on the East Coast. Cargos flow through it in both directions—Asian cargos flow from West Coast ports through Chicago for eastward delivery, and cargos from India and Europe flow from East Coast seaports to Chicago and beyond for westward delivery. This heavily used Corridor is currently expanding in both capacity and service offerings. However, two areas of the Corridor, Detroit and Northeast Ohio, remain less well served. The article outlines the changes taking place and suggests opportunities that might benefit these two areas. In particular, the St. Lawrence Seaway is part of an all-water minimum-mileage route between the Midwest and Rotterdam and Antwerp. This underutilized and almost forgotten route, if used, would eliminate a significant amount of rail and truck traffic to Detroit and Northeast Ohio. Further, increased rail deliveries from Halifax and Montreal to Detroit would allow Detroit to develop a substantial rail hub, reducing its truck deliveries from Chicago. Both suggestions would significantly reduce trucking in the Corridor.

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