U.S. Department of Transportation

Climate Adaptation Plan

Ensuring Transportation Infrastructure and System Resilience
Cover graphics courtesy of Nashville MTA, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, 

and Jacob Klaus.
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Table of Contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................2

2. Potential Vulnerability and Impacts.............................................................................................6

3. Priority Actions to Adapt to Climate Change ............................................................................10

Federal Aviation Administration..................................................................10

Federal Highway Administration.................................................................11

Federal Transit Administration ....................................................................13

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Cooperation............................................14

Federal Railroad Administration..................................................................15

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration...................................................16

Maritime Administration...........................................................................17

Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration....................................17

4. Recent Accomplishments in Climate Adaptation......................................................................19
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1. Introduction

Under Executive Order No. 13514 and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Implementing 

Instructions, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to submit a Climate 

Adaptation Plan for implementation in 2013. DOT’s work on climate adaptation began a 

number of years before this requirement because potential climate impacts influence DOT’s

strategic goals of safety, state of good repair and environmental sustainability. This plan reflects 

FY12 and FY13 commitments as well as other DOT accomplishments. It incorporates DOT’s 

earlier report on vulnerabilities to climate variability and change. DOT’s Policy Statement on 

Climate Adaptation is attached. 

The Department’s mission is to serve the United States by ensuring a safe, efficient, accessible 

and convenient transportation system that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality 

of life of the American people, today and into the future. The Department and its modal 

agencies oversee the safe operation of the United States transportation system including more 

than 3.9 million miles of public roads, 120,000 miles of major railroads, 25,000 miles of 

commercially navigable waterways, 5,000 public-use airports, 500 major urban public transit 

operators and more than 300 coastal, Great Lakes, and inland waterways ports.

1 

Scientists have concluded that some level of 

climate change has already occurred, weather 

patterns are changing, and these changes are 

expected to continue or accelerate in the 

future.2 Additionally, past weather and 

climate patterns appear to be much less 

reliable indicators of future weather and 

climate than in recent decades, which 

necessitates greater flexibility in planning and 

decision-making processes. 

Transportation both contributes to and will be impacted by climate change. While mitigating 

transportation contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts on the 

transportation system are equally important for the transportation sector to address, this plan 

addresses adaptation work only. 

 1 Source: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/transportation.html

2 See USGCRP, Global Climate Change impacts in the United States, particularly pp.27-40. 

http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/full-report

DOT shall integrate consideration of climate 

impacts and adaptation into the planning, 

operations, policies, and programs of DOT in 

order to ensure that taxpayer resources are 

invested wisely and that transportation 

infrastructure, services and operations remain 

effective in current and future climate 

conditions.

Excerpt from DOT Policy Statement on Climate Adaptation 
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Notable Potential Impacts

• More frequent/severe flooding of 

underground tunnels and low-lying 

infrastructure, requiring drainage and 

pumping, due to more intense 

precipitation, sea level rise, and storm 

surge.

• Increased numbers and magnitude of 

storm surges and/or relative sea level rise 

potentially shorten infrastructure life. 

• Increased thermal expansion of bridge 

joints and paved surfaces, potentially 

causing possible degradation, due to 

higher temperatures and increased 

duration of heat waves.

• Higher maintenance/construction costs 

for roads and bridges, due to increased 

temperatures, or exposure to storm surge.

• Asphalt degradation and shorter 

replacement cycles; leading to limited 

access, congestion, and higher costs, due 

to higher temperatures.

• Culvert and drainage infrastructure 

damage, due to changes in precipitation 

intensity, or snow melt timing.

• Decreased driver/operator performance 

and decision-making skills, due to adverse 

weather.

• Increased risk of vehicle crashes from 

improperly maintained vehicles, due to 

severe weather.

• System downtime, derailments, and 

slower travel times, due to rail buckling 

during extremely hot days.

• Reduced aircraft performance leading to 

limited range capabilities and reduced 

payloads. 

• Air traffic disruptions, due to severe 

weather and precipitation events that 

impact arrival and departure rates.

• Reduced shipping access to docks and 

shore equipment and navigational aid 

damage. 

• Restricted access to local economies.

DOT recognizes that climate variability and 

change pose potential threats to U.S. 

transportation systems. The range of impacts 

from these threats may include roadway 

deterioration, flooding, limited waterway access, 

and weakened structures. Severe conditions may 

reduce the life of capital assets and increase 

operational disruptions. Some consequences

may require changes in the design, construction, 

and maintenance of infrastructure. For example,

incorporation of certain materials and building 

techniques will enable infrastructure to better 

withstand extreme temperatures.

Building resilience to climate and weatherrelated risk is common sense management to 

protect current and future investments and to 

maintain safe operational capabilities. Adaptation 

to climate change can include adjusting how 

transportation infrastructure is planned, designed, 

built and operated. Making climate adaptation a 

standard part of agency planning can ensure that 

resources are invested wisely and that services 

and operations remain effective. 

Transportation infrastructure is inherently longlived. Bridges, tunnels, ports and runways may 

remain in service for decades, while rights-ofway and specific facilities continue to be used for 

transportation purposes for much longer. In 

addition to normal deterioration, transportation 

infrastructure is subject to a range of 

environmental risks over long time spans, 

including wildfire, flood, landslide, geologic 

subsidence, rock falls, snow, ice, extreme 

temperatures, earthquakes, storms, hurricanes 

and tornados. Infrastructure designers and 

operators must decide the magnitude of 

environmental stress that any particular project 

will be able to withstand over its lifetime. 
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DOT Priority Actions for 

Implementation

Good project design balances both costs and benefits. It is important that infrastructure 

designers use the best possible information to assess all future environmental risks, including 

longer-term risks from climate variability and change, because many of the structures being built 

today will still be in use fifty or, in some cases, one hundred years in the future. If a project is 

overbuilt, it may cost too much and prevent other, more useful investments. If it is underbuilt, it 

is subject to risks of premature damage or destruction that require premature repair or 

replacement and impose an additional cost of being out of service on the public.

Climate variability and change present new challenges as DOT develops and advocates solutions 

to national transportation needs. DOT recognizes that particular changes in global climate and 

domestic weather patterns may require different adaptation strategies than in the past. DOT 

began to explore integrating climate change considerations into its planning and programs

several years ago. While DOT has made progress, the process to more fully integrate climate 

considerations into planning and programs, and to build a more resilient transportation system, is 

expected to take place over time. Early consideration and development of proactive adaptation

strategies can help achieve a more efficient and cost-effective approach to preserve 

transportation infrastructure and enhance public safety. 

DOT’s operating administrations are taking steps to address the impacts of climate variability 

and change on their respective missions, which, in turn, address the Department’s overarching 

vulnerabilities. These steps vary among modes, but collectively substantial effort is focused on 

adapting to climate variability and change implications. 

As required by EO 13514 and CEQ 

Implementing Instructions, DOT identified 

three high-level priority actions for 

implementation in both Fiscal Years 2012 

and 2013. Each of these actions will support 

DOT’s mission and improve the 

transportation sector’s ability to assess and 

build resilience to risks posed by climate 

variability and change. DOT operating 

administrations committed to implementing 

the following priority actions: 
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• Planning. DOT will take actions to ensure that Federal transportation investment decisions 

address potential climate impacts in statewide and metropolitan transportation planning and 

project development processes as appropriate in order to protect federal investments. 

Through such actions transportation systems will gradually become better prepared for future 

climate shifts. 

• Asset Management. DOT will work to incorporate climate variability and change impact 

considerations in asset management. For example, modal administrations will work with 

grantees to assure that potential impacts are incorporated into existing grantee asset 

management systems. Agencies will assess the policy, guidance, practices, and performance 

measures of its asset management programs to incorporate such considerations. 

• Tools. DOT will provide tools, case studies, best practices, and outreach for incorporating 

climate considerations into transportation decision-making.

This adaptation plan lays out steps DOT will take to move towards fully integrating 

considerations of climate change and variability in DOT policies, programs and operations. The 

Office of the Secretary and operating administrations are each playing a role, to varying degrees,

in implementing this plan. The Office of Safety, Energy and Environment (OSEE) in the Office 

of the Secretary (OST) is coordinating DOT’s actions with support from the Research and 

Innovative Technologies Administration and DOT’s Climate Change Center. OSEE has 

participated on the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, the related CEQ 

working group and the community of practice. DOT staff has presented work on regional 

impacts, pilots and best practices before Federal forums and with Federal agencies in order to 

share information and exchange best practices. As one example, DOT staff met with Department 

of the Interior staff to collaborate on transportation-related elements of the National Fish, 

Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. 

The DOT administrations listed below have committed to fulfilling specific actions related to 

DOT’s high-level priority actions. Most DOT administrations report progress on adaption 

actions along with other regulatory and sustainability actions to the Deputy Secretary at regularly 

scheduled meetings.

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA)

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Administration (PHMSA)

• Maritime Administration (MARAD)

• Saint Lawrence Seaway Development 

Corporation (SLSDC)
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2. Potential Vulnerability and Impacts

DOT identified three general vulnerabilities to climate change, which it will address through its 

climate adaptation actions. They focus on infrastructure and systems of infrastructure to foster a 

resilient transportation system.

1. Existing Infrastructure Resilience: Existing transportation infrastructure is owned and 

operated by various public agencies and private firms, and covers an enormous range of ages, 

service life and levels of sophistication. Existing infrastructure has been built to many 

different design standards, and its current and future environmental risk is similarly varied. 

As environmental risks change, the probability of unexpected failures may increase. Further, 

as existing infrastructure approaches the end of its service life, decisions about replacement 

or abandonment should, but may not currently take into account changing future risks. 

2. New Infrastructure Resilience: Similarly, newly constructed infrastructure should be 

designed and built in recognition of the best current understanding of future environmental 

risks. In order for this to happen, understanding of projected climate changes would need to 

be incorporated into infrastructure planning and design processes, across the many public and 

private builders and operators of transportation infrastructure.

3. System Resilience: Transportation systems are more than just the sum of their individual 

parts. Some elements are of particular importance because of their vital economic role, 

absence of alternatives, heavy use, or critical function. The National Airspace System, for 

example, plays a critical economic role, while hurricane evacuation routes perform a critical 

function. Transportation systems are potentially vulnerable to the loss of key elements. 

Therefore selectively adding redundant infrastructure may be a more efficient strategy than 

hardening many individual facilities on the existing system. System resilience is best viewed 

across transportation modes and multiple system owners. While some key elements are 

obvious, other dependencies may be less well recognized. For example, some airports rely

on petroleum pipelines, which may depend, in turn, on electric power for pumping. 

Transportation systems are also interdependent when passengers rely on multiple 

transportation modes to reach their destination. 

The vulnerabilities described above have some degree of opportunity to disrupt transportation 

operations and damage transportation assets. The greater the extent of the vulnerability, the 

greater the risk is for transportation systems and infrastructure. Transportation vulnerabilities to 

climate impacts must be evaluated alongside other risks to ensure better management of assets 

and, ultimately, ensure the long-term viability of American transportation systems. 
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DOT initially began adaptation efforts by identifying transportation related vulnerabilities to the 

potential impacts of climate variability, change and severe weather events. Understanding the 

range of potential impacts is essential for DOT to develop adaptation actions and options. 

Higher Temperatures 

Fluctuating temperatures or longer periods of

high temperature are expected to place 

additional stress on transportation 

infrastructure. For example, transit, highway, 

airport and other transportation systems 

across the country will face steadily 

increasing numbers of days in excess of 90 

degrees Fahrenheit and less predictable 

weather patterns. Some transportation 

systems may also face more intense storms

and changes in precipitation, though 

projections of precipitation are less clear than 

those of temperature. Some of the impacts 

may require changes in the design, construction, or maintenance of infrastructure such as 

incorporating materials and building techniques that allow infrastructure to better withstand 

temperature extremes.

More extreme conditions also may reduce the life of capital assets and increase operational 

disruptions. Higher temperatures can break down asphalt, buckle rail track or increase the 

demand for air conditioning potentially overloading the power grid. Any of these impacts can 

cause system downtime and/or derailments. 

On the other hand, some climate change effects may positively affect transportation goals, as 

higher average temperatures in certain regions could reduce safety and maintenance concerns 

associated with snow and ice accumulation.

Warmer temperatures are expected to affect the volume and rates of water flow in rivers, lakes, 

reservoirs and marshes, ultimately affecting water depth and the cargo carrying capacity of 

marine vessels. Increasing temperatures may create greater demands from hydroelectric systems 

that depend on the water system of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which may reduce the water 

available for commercial shipping.

Rail Buckle from High Heat

(Photo source DOT Volpe)
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Severe Weather and Precipitation

Severe weather and precipitation already heavily 

affect transportation infrastructure, and potential 

changes in precipitation could increase future 

impacts. For example, four of the seven largest US 

public transit systems are located in the country’s 

northeast, where climate change models forecast the 

largest increase in rain intensity in coming decades. 

In 2007, the New York City subway system was 

shut down by flooding during the morning rush 

hour, affecting 2 million commuters. Severe 

weather events also often impair or disable critical 

power lines and systems

Severe precipitation which increases the flooding of 

roadways, tunnels and evacuation routes can reduce 

the life of highway infrastructure. It can also 

increase road washout, landslides, and mudslides 

that damage roadways and overloaded drainage 

systems, causing traffic backups and street 

flooding. Ultimately, severe precipitation and wind 

speeds can damage bridges, signs, overhead cables 

and other tall structures. Storm surge can damage 

and destroy coastal roadways, bridges and airports.

National airspace system efficiency and aviation system infrastructure can be adversely affected 

by severe weather and precipitation. Severe weather can cause delays in operations, impacting

air traffic flow and reducing runway arrival and departure rates. More severe events may also 

increase airfield flooding and erosion, potentially requiring adjustments to infrastructure, 

drainage and erosion control measures.

Severe weather may impact road safety by heightening the risk of commercial motor vehicle or 

passenger vehicle crashes. Adverse weather conditions may increase weather-related delays and 

traffic disruptions. Traveling in severe weather can also contribute to operator fatigue which 

may affect driver/operator performance and decision-making skills. 

Sea level rise

Sea level rise presents challenges to the transportation system and infrastructure. Rising sea 

level can present flooding risks to underground infrastructure such as subway and road tunnels, 

Hurricane Damage from Wave Action to Highway 90 

in Bay St Louis, MS

(Illinoisphoto.com)
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allowing water to enter through portals and ventilation shafts. Where sea level rises, coastlines

will change and infrastructure that was not previously at risk to storm surge and wave damage 

may be exposed.

Rising sea level can affect transit 

agencies on the US coasts. These

systems may experience more 

downtime due to flooding, requiring 

system users to be rerouted and 

possibly making obsolete earlier 

transportation investments in lowlying coastal areas. Some US airports 

located in coastal areas could be 

vulnerable to increased flooding with 

sea level rise.

Rising sea level may also take a toll 

on marine highway system 

infrastructure, including ports, 

terminals, shipyards, and the interfaces with other transportation modes. Sea level changes may 

add to the rate of infrastructure deterioration and damage shore side equipment and navigational 

aids. This damage could impact the ability of vessels to access docks and could potentially 

require rerouting of freight. 

Combined Effects

Some of these effects, such as sea level rise and increased precipitation intensity, present greater 

challenges to the transportation system and infrastructure, when combined with subsidence of the 

land and vulnerable local geology, as well as storm surge and wave impacts associated with 

coastal storms. For example, storm surge can damage and destroy coastal roadways, bridges and 

airports, and sea level rise could exacerbate such effects.

Indirect Impacts

In addition to direct impacts of climate change, transportation systems may also have to adapt to 

changes in the patterns of settlement or economic activity that may be induced by climate 

change. For example, changes in the location of agricultural production may demand changes in 

the transportation system to support moving products to markets. Better understanding of climate 

change impacts in other sectors will permit a better understanding of potential derivative impacts 

on transportation. 

New York City Vulnerability to 2 to 4 feet of Sea Level Rise with 100-year 

Storm Surge

(Source: Jacob Klaus)
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Selected DOT Climate Adaptation Outreach and Education

2012

o FHWA: two webinars on pilot programs with San Francisco, New Jersey, Washington, 

Virginia, and Hawaii State DOTs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and 

Universities; peer exchange with MPO representatives from Maine, Massachusetts, New 

Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont

o FTA: Workshop in Arlington, VA, on real-world approaches.

2011

o FHWA: peer exchange with Indiana MPOs and State DOT representatives from Indiana, 

Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio.

o FTA: seminars with transit agencies in Los Angeles, CA, and New Orleans, LA; webinar on 

transit and climate adaptation and webinar on asset management lessons learned from 

Transport of London.

o DOT’s Climate Center: two sessions for all DOT employees on the need for climate 

adaptation in transportation and on regional climate projections and why they matter to 

transportation. 

2010

o FHWA: five workshops addressing climate variability and change in the State and MPO 

planning processes.

3. Priority Actions to Adapt to Climate Change

DOT is working to ensure that climate vulnerability is considered in all modes of American 

transportation. To this end, the Department has engaged in outreach and educational activities on 

climate adaptation for over a decade. The most recent actions are in the chart below. 

Highlights from USDOT modal administrations’ accomplishments in FY 2012 as well as 

planned goals for FY 2013 are identified below. 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

1. Airport Sustainability Planning

FAA is evaluating ways to make sustainability a core objective at every airport through the 

Sustainable Master Plan Pilot Program by funding long-range planning documents at ten airports 

around the country. These documents, called Sustainable Master Plans and Sustainable 

Management Plans, will include initiatives for reducing environmental impacts and achieving 

economic benefits while increasing integration with local communities. The ten airports were 

chosen earlier this year and several of the projects will be completed by the end of FY 2012 with 

the rest targeted for completion in FY 2013. The program will use lessons learned to develop 

national program guidance on airport sustainability. 
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2. Navigation Infrastructure Assessment

In FY 2012, FAA is analyzing aviation facility, service, and equipment profile (FSEP) data for 

vulnerability to a combination of storm surge impacts that climate change might bring. The 

assessment process involves overlaying outputs of publically available climate models to FAA 

assets and operations to identify those most affected by storm surge under projected climate 

scenarios, evaluating mean high water mark in relation to the existing elevation. Based on the 

findings from the initial FY 2012 assessment, FAA will perform further analysis and take actions 

as appropriate in FY 2013. This assessment will provide FAA with an initial basis for 

understanding where vulnerabilities to climate change, and specifically storm surge in 

combination with sea level rise, exist within FAA navigation infrastructure. Based on the 

findings from this assessment, FAA will have a better understanding of how to determine 

adaptation priorities moving forward.

3. NextGen Network Enabled Weather (NNEW)

NextGen Network Enabled Weather (NNEW) is part of an interagency effort to provide quick, 

easy, and cost effective access to weather information. NNEW will enable National Airspace 

System stakeholders to access weather information. In addition, the NNEW System will provide 

seamless interagency access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 

4-Dimensional Weather Data Cube (4-D Wx Data Cube). 

NNEW System will provide common, universal access to aviation weather data. This will ensure 

that all categories of aviation weather users will have improved access to timely and accurate 

weather information to support improved decision making which will facilitate enhanced 

aviation safety. This tool will allow air traffic management (ATM) to more easily adapt to 

changing weather scenarios by distributing a single, comprehensive picture of current weather to 

a wide variety of users and systems. It will also be integrated into other NextGen-related 

systems in the future. FAA will award a contract for system implementation in CY 2013. The 

Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is set for CY 2016.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

1. Vulnerability and Risk Assessments

FHWA provided seed-funding to select grantees to support five infrastructure and/or system 

vulnerability and risk assessments. The vulnerability assessments were conducted on a regional 

scale and were completed in December 2011. State DOTs and MPOs will be able to apply the 

lessons learned from these pilots to their own vulnerability assessments and better determine 

potential climate impacts by providing case studies of vulnerability assessments in different 

locations. 
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FHWA will use the completed pilot projects to finalize the conceptual model framework for 

vulnerability and risk assessment, and disseminate/deploy to state and local partners by the end 

of FY 2012. In FY 2013, FHWA is planning to initiate additional pilots using the updated 

framework. This may include deploying the framework to additional locations, including inland 

locations; identifying resulting adaptation strategies; and examining the trade-offs and cost 

implications of implementing adaptation strategies.

2. Policy and Technical Guidance Information Documents

FHWA Office of Infrastructure and the Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty will jointly 

issue an information document, by the end of FY 2012, clarifying that adaptation activities are 

generally eligible uses of Federal-aid funds. This document will describe which adaptation 

activities qualify.

This action will encourage grantees to conduct a range of activities that will help them analyze 

the risks and start adapting to climate change. Over time, State DOTs and MPOs will better 

factor climate change into their transportation decision-making processes by understanding that 

Federal-aid funds can be used for adaptation activities. The result will be improved safety, 

protected transportation investments, and promotion of economic growth.

In FY 2012 and FY 2013, FHWA will develop draft guidance documenting procedures and 

methodologies for incorporating climate change considerations into planning and design analyses 

for highway projects in the coastal environment. It will provide information on the state of the 

practice for addressing climate change in analyses related to sea level rise, storm surge, and wave 

action. The results will be used to support transportation decision making by demonstrating 

ways to determine potential climate impacts on coastal highway infrastructure.

3. Peer Exchange Workshops

In FY 2012, FHWA held a Peer Exchange workshop series with MPOs and State DOTs focused 

on effective approaches to considering climate change adaptation in metropolitan and statewide 

transportation planning processes. FHWA is also developing an informational webinar series for 

stakeholder organizations and grantees focused on planning for climate change adaptation. Other 

information sharing opportunities such as presentations and conferences will be pursued. 

These workshops and webinars are intended to raise awareness and understanding of the need to 

plan for the increased stresses caused by climate change. The series highlights activities that 

could be conducted in the planning process to identify vulnerabilities and strategies for 

alleviating them. 
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Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

1. Pilot Studies on Climate Change Assessments

FTA is funding seven transit agency climate adaptation assessments pilots that are scheduled to 

be completed by spring 2013. These pilots will increase knowledge of climate adaptation within 

the transit industry, improve practices, and allow the transit industry to better prepare for current 

and future climate change impacts. The success of these assessments will encourage other transit 

agencies to begin adaptation assessments and benefit from lessons learned from the pilot 

program.

In FY 2013, FTA will develop and document lessons learned and best practices from the pilot 

projects. FTA will communicate and disseminate final results in various forums including 

webinars, conferences, and meetings with transit agencies by the end of FY 2013.

2. Roundtables

FTA will include information on climate impacts and adaptation in state of good repair and 

construction roundtables. This action will be completed by September 30, 2012. FTA will also 

discuss climate change impacts at all of its state of good repair, asset management and 

construction roundtables and conferences in FY 2013.

3. Workshops and Webinars

In FY 2013, FTA plans to continue outreach on climate impacts on public transportation, risk 

management tools, and adaptation responses through workshops, webinars, and conference 

sessions. This will build on the success of workshops and webinars held in 2011 and 2012.

4. Adaptation Research

FTA will conduct additional research on climate adaptation. Key areas of research identified by 

stakeholders at workshops included costs related to extreme weather events and adaptation 

strategies and transit agency insurance against floods and other weather impacts. A better 

understanding of the range of costs will facilitate transit agency planning. Research products in 

this area are expected by the end of FY 2013.

5. Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) - Planning Process

FTA will leverage its existing funding of TPCB to build staff and technical capacity for planning 

for climate change adaptation. FTA will build awareness of technical assistance resources at 

industry events and encourage stakeholders to take advantage of TPCB resources. FTA will work

with FHWA on supporting identification of Planning for Climate Change Adaptation as a joint
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Planning Emphasis Area in Metropolitan and Statewide Planning programs by the end of FY 

2013.

6. Scenario Planning Program

FTA funds technical assistance to MPOs on scenario planning, which helps communities 

consider the broad range impacts of investment options in long term planning for transportation 

infrastructure. FTA will discuss planning for climate change adaptation as part of at least two 

scenario planning events by the end of FY 2013. Typical annual program efforts include two ondemand workshops and two national webinars.

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Cooperation (SLSDC)

1. Work Plan

The SLSDC is completing a Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Plan for actions it will pursue in 

FY 2013 to integrate climate adaptation considerations into its operations and services. This will 

include coordinating adaptation plans with partnering agencies as appropriate. The success of the 

CCA Plan is highly dependent on a complete buy-in from the Canadian Seaway. All 

departments have begun the process of reviewing all standard operating procedures and 

emergency response plans in FY 2012. Recommendations and assessments of modifications 

stemming from the CCA Plan are anticipated to be completed by late summer 2012. The formal 

roll out of a work plan is scheduled for FY 2013.

2. Engineering Assessment

Engineering has completed its review of internal mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems of 

lock operations. Modifications will be required to safeguard all of these systems from the 

extreme consequences of high and low water levels that could result from climate variability and 

change. SLSDC is currently entering the fourth year of its Asset Renewal Program (ARP). The 

Corporation will be renewing all components that are essential to safe and efficient lock 

operations. Several areas will incorporate modifications that will safeguard the system in 

extreme conditions, including: 

• New ice flushing systems for Snell lock - 2013

• Hydraulic lock operating equipment - ongoing

• Heating systems to safeguard against extreme cold conditions - 2014

• Drainage systems to safeguard against flooding - 2014

• Funding requirements to any non-ARP programed areas.

3. Outreach

The SLSDC’s workforce has received a briefing on the SLSDC’s draft CCA Plan. SLSDC has 

encouraged feedback from employees to ensure that all areas that may be prone to 
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malfunctioning in extreme conditions be brought to the attention of operations and engineering.

Periodic briefings are planned during 2012. In March of 2013, prior to the commencement of the 

2013 Navigation Season, the CCA Plan will be formally launched.

SLSDC will discuss the CCA Plan with partnering agencies beginning June 2012. The Saint 

Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), SLSDC’s Canadian counterpart, will 

receive an in-depth briefing in June 2012 at the biannual Strategic Planning Meeting.

The time frame for reviewing the CCA plan with other agencies will span a period from June 

2012 to December 2012. Key agencies that will be contacted include:

• International Joint Commission- Canadian / US

• US Coast Guard/ Canadian Coast Guard

• New York State Department of Conservation

• Canadian Fish and Wildlife

• Environmental Protection Agency

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

• US / Canadian Pilots

• New York Power Authority

• Ontario Hydro

• Canadian Ship owners 

• Canadian Shipping Federation

• US Ship Owners

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

1. Rail Planning

FRA will consider potential climate impacts and adaptation during rail planning and corridor 

program development. This effort includes developing language for future FRA grants regarding 

infrastructure planning and development that requires the requestors to consider the impacts of 

climate variability and change in project planning and design. This action will be completed by 

the end of FY2012.

In FY 2013, FRA will incorporate language in future programs regarding infrastructure planning 

and development that requires the requestors to consider the impacts of climate variability and 

change in project planning and design.

2. Risk and Vulnerability Assessments

FRA and Amtrak will collaboratively initiate a pilot climate risk and vulnerability assessment to 

determine the potential impacts - both positive and negative - that climate change will have on 

Amtrak assets. It is economically beneficial to incorporate a comprehensive climate change 
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analysis in funding decisions to improve and maintain Amtrak assets. Anticipating and preparing 

for the challenges of the future will yield responsible investments in Amtrak-owned facilities and 

can provide an example for broader consideration of climate change impacts and adaptation. This 

action will begin by the end of FY 2012. FRA and Amtrak will complete a climate change 

vulnerability assessment document by the end of FY 2013. 

3. Stakeholder Outreach

FRA will conduct outreach focused on incorporating climate change consideration into rail 

planning and operation through meetings with states and railroads. Promoting the incorporation 

of climate change impact adaptation efforts into rail transportation decisions prepares railroad 

owners and operators for the demands of future weather related adversities. The desired outcome 

would be for states and railroads to incorporate climate adaptation planning into planning 

projects and operations. This action will begin by the end of FY2012.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

1. Grant language

FMCSA grant application requirements will contain language that requires the requestor to 

consider the impacts of climate variability and change in their project if the grant is to be used to 

place equipment or temporary facilities, modify structures, or alter existing infrastructure. Grant 

language will be finalized by FY 2013 and incorporated into FMCSA’s Financial Assistance 

Agreement General Provisions and Assurances. FMCSA will also continue to pursue links 

between adverse weather conditions and commercial motor vehicle safety.

2. Asset Management

All infrastructure projects funded with FMCSA funds or grants will consider the impacts of 

climate variability and change by the end of FY 2012. FMCSA may identify a Pilot Project to 

highlight how to consider and mitigate these impacts in a project in FY 2013 if an appropriate 

grant project can be identified. This effort would demonstrate to other applicants how this 

particular provision would be considered and, potentially, how it can produce a better, more 

effective project.

3. Stakeholder outreach

FMCSA will develop guidelines for considering the impacts of climate variability and change for 

grant projects in FY 2012 to support the new requirement for grants that will be used to place 

equipment or temporary facilities, modify structures, or alter existing infrastructure. FMCSA 

will conduct webinars to present and explain the guidelines in FY 2013 as appropriate. FMCSA 
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communicates regularly with its State partners through the Commercial Vehicle Safety 

Association meetings which may be the venue at which to present this new requirement. 

FMCSA will also reach out to stakeholders at partnership meetings on the issue for education 

purposes.

4. NEPA

In FY 2013, FMCSA will formally incorporate guidance into FMCSA NEPA Order 5610.1 for 

considering the impacts of climate change to environmental issues in its NEPA process. While 

FMCSA currently calculates greenhouse gas emissions as part of its NEPA analysis, 

consideration of impacts to the Agency’s mission from climate change will be incorporated.

Maritime Administration (MARAD)

1. Work Plan

MARAD will incorporate climate change adaptation considerations into internal reviews, 

especially with regard to port infrastructure projects, shipyard grant application evaluations, and 

Agency facility modifications. This activity will be implemented by the end of FY2013.

2. Stakeholder Outreach

MARAD has begun stakeholder outreach efforts to aid adoption of climate change 

considerations, and will complete these initial activities by the end of FY 2013.

Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

1. Stakeholder Outreach

PHMSA will increase awareness among its industry stakeholders regarding the potential impacts 

of climate change in FY 2012. PHMSA will conduct outreach via the web and in meetings to 

assist stakeholders in understanding the implications of climate change. While PHMSA’s 

pipeline safety mission is not directly impacted by climate change factors, the potential impact 

on related systems could affect PHMSA’s mission area. The outreach program began in 

September 2011 and continues today. 

PHMSA will continue to increase awareness among its industry stakeholders regarding the 

potential impacts of climate change in FY 2013. PHMSA will continue to conduct outreach via 

the web and in meetings to assist stakeholders in understanding the implications of climate 

change through FY 2013. 

2. Design Reviews
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PHMSA conducts design reviews of pipeline projects. During these reviews, PHMSA will raise 

the issue of whether adaptation to climate change was incorporated in the design considerations. 

While PHMSA’s pipeline safety mission is not directly impacted by climate change factors, the 

potential impact on related systems could affect PHMSA’s mission area. The program began in 

September 2011 and continues today.

The pipeline safety program has implemented integrity management requirements for gas and 

liquid pipelines, requiring pipeline operators to assess and mitigate the most serious risks to their 

pipelines. The operator must implement an integrity plan that prevents/mitigates those risks. 

FHWA will begin advising operators to consider adaptation in these plans by the end of FY 

2013.
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4. Recent Accomplishments in Climate Adaptation

Many of the documents listed below can be found at the DOT Transportation and Climate 

Change Clearinghouse website at www.climate.dot.gov.

Flooded Bus Barns and Buckled Rails: Public Transportation and Climate Change Adaptation

(2011)

This FTA report examines climate impacts on U.S. public transportation, adaptation strategies, 

risk management tools, and incorporation into organizational structures and processes. It 

includes case studies on New York NY; Los Angeles, CA; Mobile, AL; and London, England.

FTA Policy Statement and Dear Colleague Letter (2011)

These documents explain the impact of climate change on the key Federal Transit 

Administration (FTA) goals of state of good repair and safety and commit FTA to taking action 

by integrating adaptation considerations into FTA programs.

Transit Climate Change Adaptation Workshops and Webinars

FTA held three workshops in 2011 through 2012 (Los Angeles, CA, on August 3, 2011, New

Orleans, LA, on October 5, 2011, and Arlington, VA, on March 21-22, 2012) with participation

from public transportation agencies, MPOs, academics, government agencies, and consulting 

firms. For more information see http://www.fta.dot.gov/adaptation. 

Interim Framework on Conducting Assessments of Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerable to 

Global Climate Change Effects

This FHWA project’s first phase addressed what should reasonably be assumed by practitioners 

with regard to climate change impacts, its effects differentiated by geographic area, and data to 

be used in conducting assessments, including data gaps. The Framework itself includes criteria to 

be considered; recommended categories for existing and planned infrastructure; and methods to 

assess importance, redundancy and scale. Office of Planning, Environment and Reality and 

Office of Infrastructure provided research funds to pilot the Framework in five States. This 

research put together the best thinking currently available in a quick timeframe, and the 

framework will be updated with lessons learned from the results of the pilot test process. The 

five pilots were completed in December 2011 and the reports are available on FHWA’s website. 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_researc

h/vulnerability_assessment_pilots/index.cfm

Gulf Coast Study, Phase 1 (2008)

Phase 1 of the Gulf Coast Study studied how changes in climate over the next 50 to 100 years 

could affect transportation systems in the U.S. central Gulf Coast region and discussed how to 
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account for potential impacts in transportation planning. A case study approach was selected that 

generated useful research methodologies for application in other locations.

http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-7/final-report/

Regional Climate Change Effects: Useful Information for Transportation Agencies (May 2010)

This FHWA report provides basic information on projected climate change effects (changes in 

temperature, precipitation, storm activity and sea level rise) over the near term, mid-century and 

end-of-century by geographic area. The report includes two appendices: maps for some of the 

climate change effects, and "typology" of projected climate change information gleaned from 

recent reports.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/resources_and_publications/

The Potential Impacts of Global Sea Level Rise on Transportation Infrastructure—Atlantic 

Coast Study (2008)

The study uses multiple data sources to identify the potential impact of sea level rise on land and 

transportation infrastructure along the Atlantic coast, from Florida to New York. The study (1) 

creates maps of land and transportation infrastructure that, without protection, could be 

inundated regularly by the ocean or be at risk of periodic inundation due to storm surge under a 

range of sea level rise scenarios; and, (2) provides statistics to demonstrate the potential extent of 

land areas and transportation infrastructure affected.

Integrating Climate Change into the Transportation Planning Process (June 2008)

The final report summarizes an FHWA review of the state-of-the-practice in State DOTs and 

MPOs, including statutes and regulations, and interviews with several planning agencies. Report 

includes both mitigation and adaptation. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/climatechange/index.htm

Peer Workshop on Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts (December 2008)

FHWA conducted a peer exchange (with support from the American Association of State 

Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)) on adaptation of transportation infrastructure to 

climate change impacts. Participants in the workshop included leaders from FHWA and 11 State 

DOTs. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/statewide/pwsacci.htm

Peer Workshops on Integrating Climate Change into the Transportation Planning Process

(2008)

Three peer exchanges were conducted (two in Seattle WA, and the other in Albany, NY) in 

2008. The goal of the workshops was to allow senior staff from a variety of MPOs and State 

DOTs from across the country to come together to share information, experiences, and 

challenges regarding how both climate change mitigation and adaptation issues can be integrated 

into the transportation planning process. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/climate/resources.htm
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WASHTO Facilitated Session on Asset Management and Adaptation (July 2009)

FHWA facilitated a session at a Regional AASHTO meeting in Seattle on managing 

transportation assets in a changing environment. http://www.washto2009.com/

Additional Initiated or Ongoing Activities include:

FHWA Adaptation Working Group

FHWA has formed a multi-disciplinary internal working group to coordinate policy and program 

activities to address climate change impacts to transportation infrastructure. This group operates 

across all of FHWA, including planning and construction officials. This group first met 

November 30, 2011 to develop a federal highway action plan. All actions are coordinated 

throughout FHWA.

Gulf Coast Study – Phase 2 

Phase 1, completed in 2008, studied how changes in climate over the next 50 to 100 years could 

affect transportation systems in the U.S. central Gulf Coast region and discussed how to account 

for potential impacts in transportation planning. Phase 2 is building on the information developed 

in Phase 1 to develop more definitive information about impacts at the local level in a particular 

MPO or smaller region. The study is developing more precise tools and guides for State DOT 

and MPO planners to use in deciding how to adapt to potential climate impacts and determine 

vulnerability for key links for each mode. Phase 2 will also develop a risk assessment tool to 

allow decision makers to understand vulnerability to climate change and develop a process to 

implement transportation facility improvements in a systematic manner.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_researc

h/gulf_coast_study/index.cfm

NCHRP 20-83(05): Climate Change and Highway Infrastructure: Impacts and Adaptation 

Approaches

This $1 million project was identified by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) executive 

committee as priority research. FHWA is providing technical assistance to the panel and 

coordination with other FHWA and DOT activities to prevent duplicative effort. The anticipated 

product will be guidebooks for transportation practitioners and outreach materials. This study is 

meant to further results of the interim study listed above, with a larger budget and a goal of 

addressing more issues. This effort is broader than the Gulf Coast Study since it will create 

guidebooks for planners, NEPA practitioners, designers, asset managers, and operators. NCHRP 

has a panel overseeing the research that is broad and diverse. Recently, a literature review and 

study of climate impacts on transportation was completed to better inform the process. For 

example, work began on the final deliverables, which are guides on how to incorporate 

adaptation into the different stages of transportation decision making (planning, construction, 

operations, etc.) The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013.
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Guidelines for Consideration of GCC Impacts and Adaptation in Project Development and 

Environmental Review

These guidelines will include discussions of how to consider climate change impacts as part of 

the project development, preliminary engineering, and NEPA analysis (including scoping, 

environmental context, and alternatives screening and analysis). The Guidelines are meant to 

provide information to FHWA Division offices on how to handle discussion on impacts in the 

project development process. Case studies were compiled on adaptation planning and 

considerations within the NEPA process. Draft guidance is presently under review.