Local effects of road investments on industrial economics

Road infrastructure investments can initiate changes in industry localisation, commuting patterns and, in a longer perspective, settlement patterns. Local authorities' regulation of land use influence on these trends. New commercial sites near new roads seem to be a common trend for larger road projects. The service industry and commercial companies seize opportunities to improve accessibility to through traffic. Municipalitites' regulation of land use and area development plans affect these trends. Negotiations between municipalities and the public roads administration may function as a means of finding the best ways to create positive trends in industry development.