Following up on Extreme Weather Sessions held in 2014, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) continues to share practitioner-focused updates on the latest research, case studies, and tools pertaining to extreme weather and climate change. Information was provided at the following 2015 committee meetings.
Extreme Weather Events: Integrating Extreme Events and Climate Change into Design, September 24, 2015, Seattle, Washington
Subcommittee on Design
This session took the form of a “mini peer exchange” focusing on how DOT’s integrate information on extreme weather events and climate change into design.
AASHTO Extreme Weather Handout – Highway Design
Presentations
- Andrea Hendrickson, Flash Flood Vulnerability and Climate Adaptation Pilot Project
- Casey Kramer, Addressing Extreme Events at WSDOT and Beyond
- Jake Keller, Engineering Assessment Process Used in the Gulf Coast Study-Phase 2
Extreme Weather Events: Hydrologic and Hydraulic Issues Related to Extreme Events and Climate Change: Bridging the Gap Between Climate Scientists and Engineers, September 24, 2015, Seattle, Washington
Technical Committee on Hydrology and Hydraulics
This workshop covered a range of topics regarding the application of climate projections to hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) engineering. The group identified best practices as well as several key questions and continued needs. Dr. Guillaume Mauger, a climate scientist with the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG), presented to the group on best practices for acquiring and applying climate projections, answered TCHH members’ questions about climate data, and participated in a dynamic group discussion.
AASHTO Extreme Weather Handout – Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineering
Presentation
Extreme Weather Events: Trends and Implications for Emergency Management, August 13, 2015, Berkley, California
Special Committee on Transportation Security and Emergency Management Annual Meeting
AASHTO Extreme Weather Handout – Emergency Management
Presentation
Extreme Weather Events: Trends and Implications for Materials, August 4, 2015, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Subcommittee on Materials Annual Meeting
AASHTO Extreme Weather Handout – Materials
Presentation
AASHTO’s Conference on 21st Century Mobility for Freight and Passenger Transportation, July 8, 2015, Salt Lake City, Utah
Flooding, Vulnerability and Risk, Oh My!
This session took place at a joint meeting with AASHTO’s Standing Committees on Environment, Planning, and Public Transportation and the Subcommittee on Highway Transport.
The breakout took the form of a multidisciplinary “mini peer exchange” focusing on how departments of transportation (DOTs) can identify and manage their flood risks. Kevin Walsh of Massachusetts DOT introduced the session, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shared information on an upcoming vulnerability assessment framework, four states – Maryland, Colorado, Virginia, and Vermont – shared their experiences, and Mike Savonis of ICF International facilitated a thought-provoking group discussion.
Attendance at the session included representatives from at least 18 state DOTs, along with individuals from FHWA and private sector consultants.
AASHTO Extreme Weather Policy Conference Handout
Presentations
- Mark Ferroni, Federal Highway Administration
- Elizabeth Habic, Maryland State Highway Administration
- Jeff Sudmeier, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
- Wayne Davis, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Gina Campoli, Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)