Emerging Issues Associated With Sea Level Rise: Findings from FHWA Peer Exchanges

Abstract

DTFH61-16-D-00033, Subcontract: 469-HDL16 1 15Coastal transportation infrastructure is one of many important assets that DOTs seek to protect. In the last decade, there has been increasing concern for the vulnerability of coastal transportation infrastructure resulting from observed and projected relative sea level rise, particularly conditions of \u201cnuisance\u201d or \u201csunny day\u201d flooding being experienced in a growing number of communities. As a result, the FHWA sponsored a series of peer exchanges with coastal State DOTs, their partners, and experts in sea level rise to share experiences in characterizing and addressing these concerns. Objectives also sought to identify strategies for increasing resilience in coastal transportation infrastructure, particularly roadways, bridges, and tunnels. The FHWA convened these peer exchanges in four separate regions of the United States. Peer exchanges participants related their experiences and insights on these emerging issues regarding nuisance flooding and its impacts on their transportation programs. Discussion topics also included current and projected conditions of sea level rise as well as brainstorming potential solutions to reduce the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure. Peer exchange participants expressed their opinions and recommendations, not only related to their particular communities, but for consideration by FHWA, other Federal agencies, State and local agencies, and other potential stakeholders. This document summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place during these peer exchanges. The recommendations are those of the participants, and do not necessarily align with FHWA authorities and policies