Spatial Impacts of Multimodal Corridor Development in Gateway Areas: Italy – Greece -Turkey

The project SIMCODE: IGT aims to promote sustainable transport systems through cooperation of regional administrations and research institutions along the multimodal transport corridor linking Northern Greece with Italy and Turkey with special focus upon the gateway areas. Key components are (a) the analysis of socio-economic structures and the transport system and (b) the assessment of the spatial impacts in relation to the main European spatial planning objectives. The expected outcome is improved spatial cohesion by integrating strategic spatial planning and transport priorities. The project has its origin in the intention to combine knowledge on strategic spatial planning with expertise on the assessment of spatial impacts of transport infrastructure. The focus is upon the gateway areas along the multimodal transport corridor involving road and sea traffic with important links with airports and railways, linking Greece, Italy and Turkey The main problem addressed is the pressures gateway areas are facing (including immigration flows) from the operation of the multimodal transport corridor. The assessment of spatial impacts has critical importance as the gateway areas are facing significant disadvantages due to their distance form major European markets and networks. The objectives of the project are the following four: • Increasing the synergy and rationality of spatial planning and transport decisions. • Upgrading the information base and disseminating the knowledge on the spatial impacts of multimodal transport corridor. • Promoting parity of access and a more balanced transport system, taking into account its multimodal character (road, rail, ports, airports). • Setting of strategic spatial priorities in gateway areas in order to enhance their role in spatial cohesion at the local, national and European levels. The main activities to be undertaken will be: 1. studies of socio-economic structures and transport system intermodality. 2. pilot application of a system of spatial indicators and assessment of the spatial impact in relation to main policy objectives 3. knowledge transfer on spatial policies and networking promoting strategic spatial planning and transport priorities. The expected results and outputs will be the Interregional cooperation in order to increase synergy and to formulate a common framework for strategic spatial priorities in the gateway areas. Outputs include creating and transfer of knowledge and networking aiming to promote sustainable transport solutions. Deliverables include reports on the socio-economic structure and the transport system in gateway areas, the pilot application of indicators and the assessment of spatial impact, exchange and dissemination via the interactive web site and training packages, and the document of strategic spatial planning priorities for the gateway areas. Direct beneficiaries are public agencies involved with decision-making in spatial development and planning as well as the users of multimodal networks. Benefits in environmental and service quality will accrue to a much wider number of inhabitants in all areas along the corridor