External link: http://www.fdot.gov/research/Completed_Proj/Summary_PL/FDOT_BDK79_977-01_rpt.pdf

Publication date: January 31, 2012

Capsule summary: This report observes trends in sea level rise (SLR) and proposes strategies for adapting to the changing coastal environment.

Author(s): Berry, Leonard; Arockiasamy, M; Bloetscher, F; Kaisar, E; et al.

Publisher(s): Florida Department of Transportation

Definition: Processes of upgrading, maintaining, and expanding transportation assets throughout their life-cycles
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Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
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Definition: Data analysis techniques for transportation planning
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Definition: Examining the environmental impacts of transportation
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Definitions: Passenger transportation services
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Definitions: The movement of people
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
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Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
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Description: Climate change has a broad range of impacts on various regions, and for coastal regions, sea level rise is of particular importance. As sea level rise has the potential to damage critical assets, transportation planners in coastal regions require access to quality data on SLR in previous years and projections for future SLR, as well as best practices for climate change adaptation. This report serves as a resource for practitioners at organizations expecting to be affected by sea level rise. The research presents existing SLR data and proposes methods for adapting to SLR.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to determine the quality and quantity of existing SLR data, and to apply data to the development of SLR adaptation methodologies. The research team evaluated existing data sources through a literature review, then produced a mapping tool in order to facilitate assessment of assets that may be affected by SLR.

Findings: The research identified data gaps and future needs for agencies affected by sea level rise, placing emphasis on modeling tools, communication within and between agencies, continued research, and inclusion of SLR-related measures in planning documents. The research team additionally laid LiDAR data over a map in order to evaluate roadway infrastructure vulnerabilities to SLR, and determined that the tool could be used across the state of Florida. Other types of infrastructure required additional exploration and could not be successfully evaluated by the tool. The research provided the insight needed for the research team to also propose short-term and long-term actions.

Recommendations: SLR should be incorporated into transportation planning processes in order to ensure effective application of existing data. The report recommends short-term actions such as applying USACE methodology to develop statewide and regional SLR projections, and developing a sketch planning tool to assess vulnerability. Proposed long-term actions include developing no-regrets and gradual adaptation strategies, guidance for planners, and a performance and monitoring program, as well as identifying areas for integration of SLR data within state agencies and between partner agencies.

Research Theme: Environment, Innovative Data Analysis, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit, Transportation Asset Management

Community Type:

Transportation Mode: Personal, Transit

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: County, DOT

Planning Subject: Analysis, Decision Making, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Highway Planning, Planning Methods, Sketch Planning, Transportation Planning