Quantification of Multimodal Transportation Network Vulnerability: A Pilot Study in Mississippi

Climate Change Clearinghouse2017PDFTech ReportDas, Himangshu S.Jackson State University. Department of Civil & Environmental EngineeringMaritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC)University Transportation Centers Program (U.S.)Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC)United StatesMississippiMultimodal transportationUrban areasRisk assessmentInfrastructureDisastersClimate changeFloodsPilot studiesMetropolitan planning organizationsState departments of transportationSea levelInland waterways trafficRiver portsMultimodal transportationtransportation networksInfrastructureDTRT13-G-UTC50The objective of this exploratory study is to develop a conceptual framework to identify critical transportation infrastructure and their vulnerability to natural hazards based on existing and available data specific to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This particular study area has been selected based on its robust transportation network (2 airports, approximately 340 miles of highways and navigable channels and ports) and intricate flood plain with barrier islands. More specifically, the objective of this pilot study is to address: (1) What are the possible scenarios of future climate changes with respect to projected sea level rise specific to the Mississippi coast? and (2) What are the multimodal transportation network and infrastructures that are vulnerable to natural hazards? The outcome of this exploratory study should help developing a comprehensive design, adaptation and mitigation framework for the State Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations in order to address risk and vulnerability of Mississippi's transportation infrastructure when dealing with hazards.109