Economic evaluation of tehran-north freeway project with an emphasis on environmental harmful effects

Abstract

Studies on the evaluation of freeways and highways with an emphasis on the environmental impacts have been less considered in Iranian scientific and expert forums, so that most of studies have been directed at technical issues. Also, a variety of reports have been presented about Tehran-North Freeway, but since this freeway has shortened the link between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf and plays a major role in the development of transit and tourism activities in the region and due to its significance, the current study examines it with an emphasis on environmental impacts. In this study, the damage model to the forest and plant species proposed in the SEEA framework by FAO organization is examined during 2006-2010. Then, the economic evaluation is made through benefit-cost method. The results indicate that there is an economic justification for Tehran-North Freeway project considering environmental impacts.

Keywords: economic evaluation, Tehran-North Freeway, environmental harmful effects