Interstate 69: The International Trade Route

Interstate 69 is a 1,600 mile national road corridor that will connect Canada to Mexico. Studies of the transportation of both finished goods and raw materials show that there is a significant demand for this corridor, and with the increasingly global economy this corridor promises to bring new industry and development to Obion County. Trucking industry experts say that this interstate will be a boon for companies in west Tennessee; it expands the opportunity for world-class distribution facilities in Obion County and much of its trade area. In 2001, 88% of U.S. trade with Mexico and 67% of U.S. trade with Canada went by truck; these freight flows will generate enhanced business development opportunities in Obion County.

The final feasibility study for I-69 determined that this corridor would have significant positive effects on the economy of the communities along the I-69 corridor, producing over 27,000 new jobs by 2020; an additional $11 billion in additional wages; and over $19 billion in value added economic impact. According to this study, "the people and businesses located in proximity to the new I-69 highway stand to gain the most when the corridor is completed; the increased traveler expenditure impacts alone show that motorists will spend over $2.1 billion in increased traveler expenditures along this corridor."

The I-69 corridor is forecast to attract a sizeable number of new jobs to the primary impact area, which includes Obion County. Almost 40% of those jobs are anticipated to be the higher paying manufacturing/construction/transportation/finance jobs, and as a result, Obion County should continue to see strong growth in per capita income in the coming years.

By the year 2015, travel demand on the Interstate 69 corridor is estimated at 38 million vehicles annually. A significant amount of this total traffic is forecast to be commercial vehicles, accounting for 26% of the traffic volumes. Tennessee is the South's largest recipient of Canadian investment, totaling about $8 billion according to the State of Tennessee, and 33% of the state's exports go to Canada. U.S. imports from Mexico grew 175% between 1993 and 1999. Mexico is Tennessee's second largest export market, with over $1.4 billion in goods flowing to Mexico annually.

It is evident that the potential economic development impact of the I-69 corridor in Obion County is significant. Access to I-69, a major port facility, and an enhanced airport will assure that Obion County has the transportation infrastructure to meet the future needs of logistics and distribution businesses, manufacturers, and new service industries.

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I-69 Union City, Obion County Segment
Interstate 69 Representative Corridor