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CEP discussion paper

Transportation costs and the spatial organization of economic activity


This paper surveys the theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between the spatial distribution of economic activity and transportation costs. We develop a multi-region model of economic geography that we use to understand the general equilibrium implications of transportation infrastructure improvements within and between locations for wages, population, trade and industry composition. Guided by the predictions of this model, we review the empirical literature on the effects of transportation infrastructure improvements on economic development, paying particular attention to the use of exogenous sources of variation in the construction of transportation infrastructure. We examine evidence from different spatial scales, between and within cities. We outline a variety of areas for further research, including distinguishing reallocation from growth and dynamics.


Stephen J. Redding and Matthew A. Turner

15 June 2014     Paper Number CEPDP1277

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This CEP discussion paper is published under the centre's Urban programme, Trade programme.

This publication comes under the following theme: What determines urban growth and urban decline and what should be the role of policy?