SEMPO Regional Multimodal Freight Study
Strengthening Southeast Missouri’s Economy through Transportation
The Southeast Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEMPO) is conducting a comprehensive Multimodal Freight Study to ensure our region’s transportation network—including our highways, railways, ports, and airports—is prepared for the future.
This study is a vital 9-month initiative being developed in coordination with the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Our goal is to identify infrastructure needs, adapt to shifting markets, and address safety and resiliency issues to keep Southeast Missouri moving efficiently.
Project Update: Task 2 Analysis Underway
We are currently in the Market Assessment and Analysis phase of the study.
The project team is hard at work analyzing commodity flows, trade markets, and land-use patterns across the region. By looking at where goods are coming from and where they are going, we can pinpoint the most critical corridors for our local economy.
Current activities include:
- Commodity Flow Analysis: Converting freight tonnage into truck and rail volumes to understand road and track usage.
- Origin/Destination (O-D) Analysis: Leveraging "big data" to map how trips utilize specific roadway segments.
- Facility Inventory: Identifying major warehouses and distribution centers that act as the primary engines for regional freight.
Get Involved: Public & Stakeholder Participation
Your local expertise is the cornerstone of this plan. We are committed to a transparent, hybrid outreach process that combines in-person meetings with virtual engagement tools.
Key Engagement Milestones:
- Milestone 1 (May 2026): Problem Identification
- Purpose: Validate early findings on market trends and inventory. We want to hear your thoughts on infrastructure bottlenecks, safety concerns, and workforce challenges.
- Milestone 2 (June 2026): Solutions & Ranking
- Purpose: Review the "Universe of Solutions" and provide feedback on the criteria used to rank future projects.
- Milestone 3 (August 2026): Plan Validation
- Purpose: A final round of review for the action plan and long-term vision before it is presented to the SEMPO Board.
Why This Study Matters
Freight is more than just trucks on the road; it is the backbone of our regional economy. This study specifically addresses:
- Infrastructure Resiliency: Evaluating how our network can better withstand disruptions, such as the 2025 spring floods.
- Safety Improvements: Pinpointing high-incident areas and at-grade railroad crossings for future safety upgrades.
- Economic Competitiveness: Ensuring that Southeast Missouri remains an attractive location for industrial growth and jobs.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or want to provide feedback?
- Project Manager: Jeremy Tanz | jtanz@semorpc.org
- Follow us: Visit this page regularly for interactive maps, recordings of public presentations, and project surveys.
