2018: Communicating the Unique challenge of Transportation Resiliency and Sustainability
TRB 12th Annual communicating Concepts with
John and Jane Q. Public Competition Winners
What are your best practices in communicating the unique challenges of transportation system resiliency and sustainability in the midst of extreme weather conditions?
John and Jane Q. Public understand that the transportation system is among the most critical systems affected during major disruptions whether security incidents or weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods or mudslides.
Meanwhile, transportation professionals are developing strategies to increase the resiliency and sustainability of the U.S. transportation system. Decisions about investments and designs require a robust and ongoing dialogue with John and Jane Q. Public.
As with most transportation planning efforts, it is critical that all segments of the public understand the project need and have the opportunity to get involved and provide input into the development and definition of alternatives, environmental assessments, and preliminary design.
To stimulate creative thinking and share innovative approaches, the Public Involvement in Transportation Committee of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) sought best practices in communicating the unique challenges of transportation system resiliency and sustainability in the midst of extreme weather conditions.
Successful nominees highlighted fresh and unique ways of discussing the strategies, investments, and critical decision-making that are part of the transportation planning and response to changing climate conditions and major weather events. To view the brochure highlighting winners, click here!
Competition Winner
U.S. 34 Flood Recovery Project, Colorado Department of Transportation
Devastating floods hit Colorado in 2013. The state's leaders determined to rebuild affected roads and bridges better than they were before. The U.S. 34 Flood Recovery Project made necessary repairs so the roadway and river can now function as a system, rather than in conflict with each other. Completed on time and within the $186 million in federal emergency relief funds, this project improved a 26-mile-long section of US34 so that after the next flood there will be at least a 15-foot-wide section of road remaining to allow emergency services to get into the canyon and residents can get out. The concept of building back a roadway with more resiliencies post-disaster is something that CDOT is using with other emergency repair projects.
Contact: Jared Fiel, Communication Manager, Region 4, jared.fiel@state.co.us
Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/floodrelatedprojects/us-34-big-thompson-canyon-1
Competition Runners-up
Resilient Rhody Resources: Planning for Climate Change in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Department of TransportationRhode Island Department of Transportation officials have recognized that there are numerous environmental and natural threats to the state's transportation assets. Rhode Island state agencies, municipalities, and partner institutions, have worked together to identify and quantify current and future threats, including coastal hazards like sea level rise and storm surge, as well as high heat, drought, and inland flooding, and have developed strategies to address them. RIDOT developed a comprehensive approach to ensure effective communications and policies are developed both internally and externally. RIDOT is currently developing an Environmental Resiliency Tool that will be used for asset management and project planning. The outreach campaign included a website; the Resilient Rhody strategy climate education webinars and a state-focused climate change documentaryContact: Julia Gold, Chief, Sustainability and Innovation, Julia.gold@dot.ri.gov
Website: www.climatechange.ri.gov
VT Transportation Resilience Planning Tool, Vermont Agency of Transportation
The Vermont Transportation Flood Resilience Planning Tool (TRPT) is a web-based application developed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation that identifies bridges, culverts and road embankments that are vulnerable to damage from floods; estimates risk based on the vulnerability and criticality of roadway segments; and identifies potential mitigation measures based on the factors driving the vulnerability. The TRPT was developed working with a diverse group of stakeholders and was tested in three pilot watersheds in Vermont. The TRPT was designed for users that range from engineers and planners to the "John and Jane Q." Public volunteers that are the backbone of Vermont town councils, planning commissions, conservation commissions and emergency management. The TRPT was completed this year and VTrans will continue to add watersheds in partnership with thestate's regional planning commissions.Contact: Joe Segale, P.E., PTP, Policy, Planning & Research Bureau Director, joe.segale@vermont.gov
Website: http://vtrans.stone-env.net/#/map
Competition Honorable Mention
Linking Decision-makers and the Public to Transportation Adaptation Resources Georgetown Climate Center, Georgetown University
Georgetown Climate Center developed a comprehensive resource to publicize innovative plans, policies, projects, and other strategies for integrating resilience and adaptation measures into transportation sector programs and processes. GCC's Adaptation Clearinghouse has long served an important role in linking decision-makers and the public to adaptation resources that meet their needs and interests. The wide-ranging resource allows our users, which include staff from local, regional, and state government agencies as well as members of the public, to identify strategies utilized by transportation agencies from across the U.S. to consider climate change impacts in transportation decision-making.
Contact : Annie Bennett, Institute Associate,bennett@georgetown.edu
Website: http://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/sectors/transportation/
Sustainable Transportation Opt ions for IU Students Indiana University Bloomington, Sustainable Transportation Services
To inform incoming students of sustainable transportation options around campus, within Bloomington,
and beyond Bloomington, the university developed a 28-page, pocket-sized booklet that was delivered to almost 10,000 incoming freshmen, transfer, and graduate students through IU's orientation program. In addition, the development of content led to improved interdepartmental communication and awareness among university faculty and staff of the transportation options available on campus.
Contact: Anna Dragovich, Transportation Demand Manager & Bicycle Coordinator, adragovi@iu.edu
Website: https://sustain.iu.edu/commitment/transportation/index.html
Contratulations to these award recipients!