Climate change is no longer a future threat to road infrastructure. Its impacts can already be seen today. In a recent webinar from the Road Design working group, Gunnel Göransson (VTI) gave a presentation titled Climate Change Adaptation. The talk discusses policy responses, climate-resilient planning and practical examples, such as how road structures can be used as temporary flood protection in urban areas.
The presentation also highlights how winter road maintenance may need to change in a warmer climate, with different practices for snow ploughing and salting depending on the region. There is also discussion on the idea of designing roads for multiple purposes, for example to help manage stormwater and reduce flooding. The main message is to move from reactive solutions to more proactive and integrated planning in an uncertain future.
Recording also available on the Road Design working group’s Public Materials page, where you can also find the previous webinar recording Rethinking Our Roads by Elina Kalliala.