MATS 2050 Freight Plan

Project Introduction

The Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Commission is in the process of completing a Regional Freight Network Plan for the Macon Area Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (MATS MPO). A map outlining the plan's study area (the MATS MPO) can be found below. The timeline to the right lists key tasks involved in the study. Each of the tasks will help MATS and the project team assess regional freight needs, strengths, challenges and opportunities through the year 2050.

Please check back here regularly for updates on the study as well as opportunities to provide input! Or to submit a comment to the project team, please see the “Leave a Comment” page in located in the website menu.

Visit the MATS Homepage Here!

Project Timeline

Timeline item 1 - active

Stakeholder Group Establishment/Engagement

A project-specific stakeholder committee will be formed to help inform the study with on-the-ground perspectives. The stakeholder committee is to include (but is not limited to) local governments within the MATS MPO, the GDOT Offices of Planning and Intermodal, the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, 21st Century Partnership, and the FHWA.
Timeline item 2 - active

Freight Needs Assessment & Analysis

During this stage the project team will examine and analyze trends in freight data around the Macon MPO. Including existing bottlenecks and barriers for future growth.
Timeline item 3 - incomplete

Land Use Assessment

During this phase of the project, the team will analyze existing concentrations of freight intensive land uses - and the role that it plays in successful freight movement.
Timeline item 4 - incomplete

Conduct an Economic Development Market Assessment

This study will include a general review of the region's economic structure and major industries. The analysis will cover freight, goods, and service sectors including trucking, shipping, railroads and more.
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Perform an Environmental & Community Impact Analysis

The project team will also conduct a high-level review of existing community factors and environmental rules and regulations that may influence (or be influenced by) freight movements.
Timeline item 6 - incomplete

Define Description Vulnerabilities and Resiliency Strategies

Upon completion of existing condition analyses, the project team will then endeavor to define existing vulnerabilities in the Macon regional freight network. These vulnerabilities will then influence a series of proposed resiliency strategies.
Timeline item 7 - incomplete

Project Recommendations

Once all data is analyzed, and the larger regional freight network has been thoroughly assessed, the project team will put forward a series of formal project recommendations. These recommendations will be designed to decrease the impacts that freight movements have on community members, while also attempting to expedite and smooth the flows of goods and services.
Timeline item 8 - incomplete

Final Report/Documentation

Once formal project recommendations are approved by the city, the project team will submit a final comprehensive planning report. This report will include all found information and project history documentation.