FEHRL US scanning tour 2012: climate adaptation for roads

A significant global challenge facing decision-makers involves the identification and assessment of the effects of climate change in relation to transport. Research suggests that considerable changes in climate have been emerging and are expected to become more pronounced in the future. As a result, a wide range of impacts on the natural and man-made environment across sectors and regions are expected to lead to varying economic, social and environmental costs. In line with these predictions, anticipated climate change and accompanying implications are raising the level of uncertainty surrounding transport infrastructure and network operations, and the ability to withstand the frequency and intensity of climatic events in the longer-term. In response to these challenges, the Forum of European Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL) coordinated a Climate Change Resilient Transport Scanning Tour, held 24-31 March, 2012 across the USA, visiting Federal, State and city Transport Departments.