Adapting to Climate Change By John Thorp

Climate Change Predictions Hotter drier Summers Milder wetter winters More extreme rainfall events Increased wind speeds Rising Sea levels

What is the Impact Key Highway Service Areas –Winter Service –Trees and Vegetation –Materials and Resurfacing –Drainage and Structures

Winter Service Unpredictability Customer Expectations Highway Service Unavailable

What Measures Better Predictions Better Resilience Better Techniques Working itself out of a job

Trees and Vegetation Potential change in the growing season Faster growth of trees More damage claims from householders More trees falling in high wind

Adaptations More time on inventory of trees More time on maintenance of trees More risk management Ensure trees planted correctly Developing a Strategy for Urban Trees

Materials Softening and deformation under load Melting Roads Shrinkage and Cracking Potholes

Materials

Adaptations Mimic French standards Alter surfacing techniques Improve pothole repairs Waterproof Climate Change Act 2008

Drainage Flooding –Sea level rise –Insufficient water storage –Damage to highway –Landslip, erosion and Scour –Flood and water Management Act 2010

What measures Surface Water Management Plan Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment Local watercourse management Introduce SUDS Introduce permeable surfaces Change materials to cope with flooding Adapting Gulley emptying frequency Increase capacity at bridges and culverts Increase inspections to at risk structures from scour Introduce risk management to landslips