BACKGROUND
There are many potential impacts of climate change on the highway system. Along with rising sea levels, higher greenhouse gas concentrations are likely to increase the Earth's average temperature and alter precipitation patterns and the incidence and severity of storms. According to a 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the recent increase in coastal erosion and flooding are results of climate change and the resultant sea level rise; global mean sea level is projected to rise by 0.09 to 0.88 meters between 1990 and 2100.
Research is needed to provide a sound foundation for practitioners to address the anticipated impacts of climate change for the period 2030-2050. This research is expected to provide the first layer of information (i.e., the lay of the land) necessary to assess potential impacts, identify vulnerable infrastructure by region, and the recommend institutional arrangements and technical tools to address the future interations of climate change and highway systems.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this research are to (1) synthesize the current state of worldwide knowledge regarding the probable range of impacts of climate change on highway systems by region of the United States for the period 2030-2050; (2) recommend institutional arrangements, tools, approaches, and strategies that state departments of transportation (DOTs) can use during system planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance to adapt infrastructure and operations to these impacts and lessen their effects; and (3) identify future research and activities needed to close gaps in current knowledge and implement effective adaptive
management.
TASKS
Phase 1: Development of Geographic Characterization of U.S. Regions
Task 1.1 Create focus groups for input at key project stages.
Task 1.2 Identify key climate change factors and potential climate change impacts to highway systems that could affect highway design, network operations, and ecological mitigation responsibilities of state DOTs.
Task 1.3 Develop a matrix that indicates which geographic regions will be affected by different climate change factors.
Task 1.4 Develop and apply a process for subdividing the U.S. into climate adaptation regions based on dominant weather and environmental change factors.
Task 1.5 Summarize the recommended process and its application for identifying geographic regions.
Phase 2: Assess Current Knowledge and Identify Gaps
Task 2.1 Develop a conceptual framework of the “highway system” that identifies the different components impacted by changes in environmental conditions.
Task 2.2 Review current practices and methodologies worldwide that are used for assessing the impacts of climate change on highway infrastructure and operations, and on developing adaptation strategies.
Task 2.3 Summarize results from Phase I and Task 2.2 to identify key climate factors and likely impacts on the U.S. transportation system.
Task 2.4 Synthesize the results from Phase 1 and the results of Task 2.2 to finalize the regions of the United States recommended for analysis.
Phase 3: Develop a Framework for Assessing Impacts
Task 3.1 Develop a diagnostic framework to assess the range of climate change impacts for the period 2030 to 2050 on the nation’s road network.
Task 3.2 Develop a cost evaluation process to assess the value/usefulness of different adaptation strategies and the opportunity costs of not applying the strategies.
Task 3.3 Apply the diagnostic framework to selected regions of the United States having distinctive physical environments.
Task 3.4 Prepare a report on the Phase 3 results.
Phase 4: Develop Guides for Practitioners Responsible for Planning, Environmental Review, Design, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance of the Highway System
Task 4.1 Develop a position paper and obtain focus group review.
Task 4.2 Prepare a series of technical guides relating to different functions of highway development.
Task 4.3 Develop a guide on risk assessment/asset management methodologies.
Task 4.4 Develop web-based informational and decision making tools.
Task 4.5 Analyze and recommend potential institutional arrangements/coordination tools.
Phase 5: Identify Future Research Needs
Task 5.1 Conduct focus group meeting to identify important research needs.
Task 5.2 Prepare a report that documents the findings of the focus group meeting.
Phase 6: Develop Final Report
Task 6.1 Prepare a final report summarizing the results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of Phases 1 through 5. The final report shall be accompanied by (1) an executive summary (5-10 pages); (2) a presentation and speaker notes for use in briefing executives, legislators, and the public on key project results and recommendations; and (3) a plan for outreach and assistance to the state DOTs and AASHTO committees and task groups in deploying the products of the research.
Status: Work on Phase 1 is underway.
Product Availability: None at this time.
