Socioeconomic Impact of the Roads: Case Study of the “Eix Transversal” in Catalonia, Spain
Publication: Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
Roads are considered a key factor in the economic and social development in the territory of any country. In this sense, it is important to analyze the effect of roads in the socioeconomic development of a territory. To that end, this study analyzes the short-term impact of the “Eix Transversal de Catalunya” (located in Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain) in its affected territory. This study uses the classic method “ex-ante” “ex-post” to compare the evolution of the socioeconomic variables (the selection of which was done on the basis of classic methodology of impact studies) before and after the construction was finished in December of 1997. The results show, in an indisputable way, the positive effect that the Eix Transversal has had in the territory, influencing the territorial ordination, the demographic growth, and economic development, and at the same time enhancing changes in the patterns of the population’s mobility.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Architect William Schermer for his useful suggestions in the translation review of the text. Three anonymous referees provided valuable comments on an previous version of the paper.
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Published In
Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • June 2011
Pages: 159 - 170
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 15, 2008
Accepted: Jul 22, 2010
Published online: Jul 24, 2010
Published in print: Jun 1, 2011
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