01349634

Component

http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/165529.aspx

The projected effects of climate change could have significant implications for the nation’s transportation system. Rising sea levels, increasingly extreme temperatures, changes in the frequency and intensity of storm events, and accelerating patterns of erosion could damage infrastructure, flood roadways, and disrupt safe and efficient travel. Certain effects, such as sea level rise and increases in storm intensity, present obvious challenges. Storm surge can damage and destroy coastal roadways, rail lines, and bridges and sea level rise will only exacerbate such effects. Rising sea levels can also present flooding risks to underground infrastructure such as subways and road tunnels, allowing water to enter through portals and ventilation shafts. Subtle changes, such as those expected in temperature, will also necessitate changes in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure—for instance, the incorporation of materials and building techniques that can withstand temperature extremes. Some climate change effects may positively impact transportation, as higher average temperatures in certain regions could reduce safety and maintenance concerns associated with snow and ice accumulation. Although mitigating the effects of climate change through reductions in greenhouse gases is an important element of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) climate change strategy, the agency places equal importance on acknowledging that certain changes may require appropriate adaptation strategies. Recognizing the need for adaptive transportation systems, FHWA’s Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team has developed several programs and initiatives to provide FHWA Division Offices, state departments of transportation (DOTs), and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) with the data and tools needed to identify and adapt to climate-related impacts on vulnerable transportation infrastructure. Three initiatives described here illustrate the range of activities underway at FHWA: a report on regional climate change, an in-depth study of climate impacts in the Gulf Coast region, and pilot-testing of a conceptual model for risk and vulnerability assessments.

01349624

English

pp 12-18

2011-6

Transportation Research Circular

Web

Figures (2) ; Maps (2) ; Photos (2)

Climate change; Coasts; Floods; Impacts; Infrastructure; Risk assessment; Sea level; Storm surges; Transportation

Gulf Coast (United States)

Environment; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General); I15: Environment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

TRIS, TRB

Aug 11 2011 1:50PM

• Adapting to Climate Change: Another Challenge for the Transportation Community
• Adapting Transportation to the Impacts of Climate Change: State of the Practice 2011. Introduction
• Climate Change Adaptation and Preparedness Planning for Airports
• Climate Change Impacts on Ports
• Early Signs of Climate Change: 2010 Flooding in Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Iowa
• International Scan on Climate Change Adaptation
• State Departments of Transportation Working to Adapt to a Changing Climate
• Transportation Adaptation’s Bearing on Planning, Systems Management, Operations, and Emergency Response
• TRB Special Task Force on Climate Change and Energy Identifies Research Needs
• United Kingdom’s Experience with Climate Change Adaptation and Transportation