The Potential Impacts of Global Sea Level Rise on Transportation Infrastructure

Prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this report provides a high-level estimate of the net effect of sea level-rise and storm surges to transportation infrastructure on the U.S. eastern seaboard by 2100. The study integrates estimates of eustatic sea-level rise based on IPCC scenarios and digital elevation maps to identify areas that will either be inundated or placed at risk during storms. These estimates do not account for local variations. Based on 9 modeling outputs, from 6cm to 59cm, the study identifies the roads, airports, ports, and rail lines at risk from New York down to Florida, and it provides quantitative data on the extent to which each state in the study area will be affected by sea-level rise.

A detailed discussion of the methodology is provided.

Publication Date: October 2008

Authors or Affiliated Users:

  • Kevin M. Wright
  • Christopher Hogan

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  • Assessment

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