Identification and Assessment of Physical Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise

The objective of this research was developing a methodology for assessing the potential impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on Florida’s state transportation infrastructure to assist the state with transportation planning. Rising temperatures lead to thermal expansion of the ocean and melting ice caps, both of which result in increased ocean level, making Florida among the most vulnerable areas in the world for climate change due its coastal proximity and low elevation. The proposed approach integrates the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) information system, satellite imagery, local roadway and hydrologic data with existing topographical and geographical data to generate SLR projections to facilitate i) the evaluation of current and projected SLR impacts on transportation infrastructure located along Florida’s coastline and low-lying terrain areas, and ii) the identification of the physical transportation infrastructure components that are vulnerable given the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ scenario-based methodology to project the timing of future low, intermediate and high rates of sea level change. A detailed case study in Dania Beach, Florida and a comparative example in Punta Gorda, Florida were used to evaluate the soundness of the methodology. Further research was performed to develop a preliminary evaluation of the impact of groundwater levels as an exacerbating factor with respect to sea level rise. Storm surge with SLR is a future, more difficult area of investigation. It is important to incorporate adaptive management processes into the planning as more information becomes available. Estimates of what these adaptive processes may cost were included for planning purposes. Priorities and sequence are local issues that need local input.