The Extent of the Mississippi River’s Highway
The Mississippi River flows through 10 U.S. states and is one of the longest, most storied rivers in the United States. But how much of the length of the Mississippi has access to a highway?
Most commonly, people associate the Mississippi with New Orleans, the bustling and diverse port city teeming with culture and music. However, the Mississippi River is far more than the three-hundred-mile-stretch that it passes through Louisiana. It stretches over two thousand miles and contains 31 navigation locks and dams, each of which must be managed and studied in order to assess the river’s health and to provide aid to areas within its range.
It is this combination of abundant natural resource and seemingly infinite infrastructure that makes the Mississippi River a major transportation route that is heavily traveled. The Mississippi River is a major shipping Corridor for grain, coal, and crude oil, along with many other industrials commodities. For example, the Vicksburg Mississippi port sees over 2.6 million tons of cargo each year, moving these essential commodities to the rest of the country.
The Mississippi River is also a major freight corridor, providing a direct route between certain parts of the United States and also has some of the most navigable sections of the Mississippi that accommodate connecting highways, bridges, and other arteries. In other words, there is substantial highway network associated with the Mississippi.
The Three Major Highways of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River provides access to three major north-south highways: I-90, I-94, and I-65. Interstate 90 corridor runs along the North Shore of the Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana and is widely accepted as being the longest interstate any in the US. Interstate 94 parallels the river for much of the Midwest, going from Michigan to Louisiana. Lastly, Interstate 65 stretches from Minnesota to northern Alabama.
Notably, the presence of highways along the Mississippi River increases the level of trade and commerce that can take place along the river. This indicates not just the value of the highways, but also the greater economic value of the Mississippi River itself and the services it provides.
The Need for an Appropriately Developed Highway as Well
Despite having a broad system of highways, there is also a safety concern. Because navigation on the Mississippi River is tough and it is often times congested due to trade traffic, transportation between two ports or towns can be dangerous and slow. This brings attention to the need for an appropriately developed highway.
Recent reports suggest that with some long-term projects, the highway network along the Mississippi could become more efficient and safe for drivers. Ultimately, this would boost tourism and recreation on the Mississippi, as well as making it safe for freight and commercial traffic.
Environmental Impact of Highways and the Mississippi River
It is well known that the introduction of highways and roads can have an adverse effect on the environment. They disturb the natural habitats, introduce noise and air pollution, and also increase water runoff.
Highways that are situated along the banks of a river also run the risk of disrupting the ecology of the river. As the river is constantly flowing, any pollution that is released directly into the river eventually travels downstream and affects other areas of the river. This highlights the importance of rigorous measurements and care to ensure that our roads and highways remain environmentally friendly.
Creating an Ongoing Conversation
The presence of highways along the Mississippi River has an array of implications and should open up a conversation about options for maintaining and advancing these transportation networks in order to maximize potential trade and recreational use that can take place on the Mississippi River.
In addition, it is important to consider the ecological impact of adding more highways and roads alongside the Mississippi River. A balanced solution must be sought in order to address transportation needs as well as the preservation of the river and its adjoining areas. A meaningful dialogue should be opened, involving all stakeholders and each party needs to take part in order to reach an agreement that protects both the existing infrastructure, as well as the river’s health and ecosystems.
Evasion Strategies and Reformation of Technology
Evasion strategies offer insight into how highways and roads can be maintained, while minimizing their environmental impact. Some strategies include the use of special materials and construction practices, as well as technological advances in traffic and navigation control systems.
For example, the use of green technology in civil engineering and transportation engineering can help to reduce road damage and air pollution and also Improve visibility and reduce traffic. Technologies such as streetlights, traffic lights, and smart sensors can help to avoid some of the negative consequences of highway construction.
Conversations about the construction of new highways and the reformation of existing ones should also include the use of green and smart technologies which reduce the environmental impact of the construction process and provide uncongested and pollution-free routes.
The Well-Rounded Nature of Highways and the Mississippi River
Ultimately, the need for the presence of highways alongside the Mississippi River is undeniable. It allows for trade and transportation, leisure and recreation amongst all of the states that are in direct proximity to it.
It is also important to recognize that the presence of highways and drivers must be treated with caution, however. The ecological impact of highways needs to be minimized by creating and utilizing evasion strategies, as well as reforming technology as aforementioned. A meaningful dialogue with stakeholders needs to be carried out in order to reach an agreement that serves all parties.
Only when a well-rounded and comprehensive agreement is reached, can the presence of highways alongside the Mississippi River be considered beneficial to all. This would in turn, benefit the communities that rely on the river and its resources, which could in turn, continue to support our nation’s transportation infrastructure.
The Economics Behind Highways and the Mississippi River
The importance of the Mississippi River and its highways are further highlighted when one takes into consideration the economic aspect of it. The presence of highways along the Mississippi River not just enables the transportation of goods, but also provide economic benefits to regions along the river. For example, the presence of highways along the Mississippi River is a key driver of economic development in the regions, resulting in an influx of jobs, businesses and investments.
The freight traffic on the Mississippi has been growing steadily, as different commodities such as coal, oil, grains, and metals are being transported across the river. In 2019, about 160 million tons of freight was transported along the river, and this has increased since 2018. This high volume of trade traffic results in increased economic development, which is beneficial for the country at large.
The Economic Impact of Mississippi River Transportation
One of the commonly overlooked aspects of Mississippi’s transportation system is the impact it has on other sectors of the economy. Transportation of goods across the river helps to reduce the costs associated with production and transportation for businesses, which in turn helps to encourage local businesses and industries to grow. This facilitates job creation, which increases economic activity and further fuels private investments.
In addition, Mississippi River transportation helps reduce carbon emissions as well, because it is a more fuel-efficient method of transportation compared to road vehicles. This further helps to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and helps to address the sustainability challenge that the world is currently facing.
Advancements in Mississippi River Transportation
Recently, navigation on the Mississippi River has seen some major advancements that are helping to expand its transportation capabilities. For instance, electric-powered vessels are starting to become more widespread, and the St. Louis to Cairo route of the Mississippi River System saw the first electric barge in 2018. This technology offers an efficient, clean, and low-cost means of transportation on the river.
Investments are also being made in infrastructure along the Mississippi such as the Port of New Orleans, where investments of over $170 million have been made in the Port Infrastructure. These investments are made to not only facilitate transportation, but also to ensure that both environmental and safety standards are met along the Mississippi.
Overall, the Mississippi River provides a crucial transportation network for the United States, and the development of highways alongside it is essential for the long-term wellbeing of the local communities, businesses, and transportation industries. Although it is important to consider the possible effects of highways, the presence of transportation infrastructure along the Mississippi River is here to stay, and with appropriate investments and advances in technology, the Mississippi River can continue to provide efficient and reliable transportation for many years to come.
