Impacts of climate change on highway maintenance

Global climate change means that flooding and drought (amongst other effects) are becoming more frequent.  This has a major impact on highways asset management, as evidenced by Boscastle and elsewhere with regard to flooding, and the eastern counties such as Cambridgeshire with regard to drought.  There is a need to advise local highways authorities on how to reduce the future impact of climate change on the network.  This research aims to reduce the need for emergency funding to mitigate flood or drought damage, through an improved understanding of the effects and implications of changes in rainfall, temperature and wind speeds on the highway network.  It will produce best practice guidance for local highway authorities and contractors.

The work is being undertaken by TRL Ltd and a final report is expected in mid-2007.