The Impact of Beltways Upon Selected Central City Characteristics: A Social and Economic Indicator Analysis

Abstract

The focus of this research project is on the development and testing of a methodology to assess the impacts of a beltway upon the central city it surrounds. The analytic method employed in this study is social and economic indicator analysis. It is intended to provide the evaluator of highway impacts with a framework through which specific cases can be applied. The information system which is developed can then be employed in making policy decisions concerning the highway's impact upon its central city. The methodology used in the project is tested through an application to a specific beltway and the city it surrounds. The conclusions derived from this test illustrate the ability of the methodology to present a valid examination of the specific case. The key element within this study is the development of a normative methodology, which is not limited to strict quantitative data analysis, or simple qualitative review. The methodology intermixes these forms of analysis, and allows the decision-maker to consider the entire situation, including city policies.