Socioeconomic Impact of the Roads: Case Study of the “Eix Transversal” in Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

Roads are considered a key factor in the economic and social development in the territory of any country. In this sense, it is important to analyze the effect of roads in the socioeconomic development of a territory. To that end, this study analyzes the short-term impact of the “Eix Transversal de Catalunya” (located in Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain) in its affected territory. This study uses the classic method “ex-ante” “ex-post” to compare the evolution of the socioeconomic variables (the selection of which was done on the basis of classic methodology of impact studies) before and after the construction was finished in December of 1997. The results show, in an indisputable way, the positive effect that the Eix Transversal has had in the territory, influencing the territorial ordination, the demographic growth, and economic development, and at the same time enhancing changes in the patterns of the population’s mobility.