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Climate change adaptation strategies for transportation infrastructure in Prince George, Canada

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Abstract

Transport infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts as it is designed for long operational lives, and both episodic and seasonal conditions contribute to deterioration, disruption and unsafe incidents. There are some examples of adaptation in transportation design, but many communities do not have the capacity to incorporate climate change considerations into infrastructure planning and management. Researchers worked closely with the City of Prince George, in Central British Columbia, Canada, to build on existing work and explore how the City could plan, design, and maintain roads and other structures to account for climate change. A local steering committee was formed, and created and evaluated 23 potential research topics. Two focus areas were selected for further investigation and explored during a workshop with practitioners, researchers, consultants and other representatives. The workshop precipitated an investigation of projected impacts of climate change on road maintenance and road safety, and plans to explore alternative paving techniques. Outcomes of the case study provide insights regarding climate change and local transportation infrastructure, including: how researchers can engage with local experts to explore adaptation; issues local governments perceive as important; and barriers communities face as they attempt to address vulnerabilities.

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Notes

  1. Including the BC Ready Mix Association, tire recycling and pavement experts, the Ontario Rubberized Asphalt Association, and the Cement Association of Canada.

  2. For updates on this work refer to: http://princegeorge.ca/environment/climatechange/adaptation/pages/default.aspx.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to all participants in the transportation study, particularly Prince George City staff for their efforts and ongoing commitment to the City. Special thanks to Brian Mills (Environment Canada), Dave Dyer (City of Prince George) and Chelsea Coady (Fraser Basin Council) for their contributions. Ian Picketts’ research has been funded by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions fellowships and the University of Northern BC. Drs. Tighe and Déry’s positions are supported through the Canada Research Chair program. The transportation workshop and ongoing adaptation work in Prince George was supported by Natural Resources Canada and the City of Prince George. Thanks to reviewers for their helpful feedback.

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Correspondence to Ian M. Picketts.

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Editor: Wolfgang Cramer.

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Picketts, I.M., Andrey, J., Matthews, L. et al. Climate change adaptation strategies for transportation infrastructure in Prince George, Canada. Reg Environ Change 16, 1109–1120 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0828-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0828-8

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