Adaptation strategies of transport infrastructures to global climate change

Scientific records provide clear evidence of rising atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG) concentrations. Global warming and rising extreme weather events are believed to be a result. Besides proactively combating global climate change, transport agencies may need to develop strategies for better preparedness of the impacts of climate change. This is particularly important for certain regions that are more vulnerable to the potential damages caused by climate change. A methodological framework for developing such strategies is presented in the paper. The framework is illustrated through two examples: the management of rural roads in Thailand where the vast road network is being threatened by increasing floods and rising sea levels and the improvement of pavement design strategies for expressways along the coast of Hong Kong. Adaption measures are proposed for the highway agencies to address the challenges caused by climate change.