How to Valuably Develop Highway Land Resources: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Empirical Evidence

Abstract This study aims to transform highway development from a single transport function to a multidimensional spatial–economic framework emphasizing composite spatial integration, functional convergence, and industrial synergy. This study proposes a concentric development paradigm and establishes a tripartite analytical framework including spatial differentiation assessment, tiered strategic planning, and empirical validation to explore the formation of an economic corridor of highways. With the concentric zone theory, we constructed a five-tier spatial model (facility, control, core, radiation, and edge zones) to decode land-use dynamic along corridors. Stratified interventions were formulated: node reinforcement in facility zones, route revitalization in control zones, spatial integration in core zones, service extension in radiation zones, and ecological greening in edge zones. The empirical analysis of the Wu-Huang highway demonstrated the successful transformation into a multifunctional economic axis integrating innovation, logistics, commerce, and energy sectors, which yielded USD 115 million of annual economic benefits. This proves the efficacy of concentric strategies in optimizing road resource utilization and provides theoretical and practical references for the development of a transport-related economic corridor.