Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Low-Volume Rural Roads--A Review of the Literature

摘要

The focus of current development investments in transportation has shifted from highways and railroads to low-volume rural roads, but few evaluations of the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of these roads have been conducted. This study reviews the available evaluative literature and presents issues to be considered in designing future rural road projects. Emphasis is placed on the broad social impact of rural roads and the diffusion of benefits to the rural poor. Impact areas in which roads are a significant factor are identified, e.g., agricultural production, employment, health, and education. Examples are offered of the potential benefits and problems of road construction in each impact category and questions are proposed for use in future evaluations.