The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has published new practical guidance to help local highway authorities prepare for climate-related disruption.
It aims to provide a timely resource as rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events increasingly affect the UK’s transport network.
The implications of extreme heat extend far beyond infrastructure, as transport networks are critical to connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and services, and when they are disrupted the impacts are felt across the wider economy, the institution said.
CIHT highlights growing evidence that rising temperatures can have a measurable effect on economic performance, reducing productivity, disrupting supply chains and affecting the movement of people and goods.
Research cited by CIHT found that a 1°C increase in summer temperatures is associated with a 2.44% reduction in economic growth, while a 1°C increase in autumn temperatures is linked to a 1.55% reduction.
The new Responding to Climate Disruption guidance and accompanying checklists are designed to help highway authorities assess risks, strengthen resilience and improve preparedness for climate-related impacts, including extreme heat, flooding and storms.
The guidance supports organisations in moving from reactive responses towards proactive planning and adaptation.
With an air temperature of 30°C, asphalt road surfaces can reach between 40°C and 50°C, while some roads may begin to soften when temperatures exceed 50°C. Extreme heat can also place strain on bridges, damage infrastructure and contribute to vehicle failures, causing disruption across the network.
In addition, during the summer 2022 heat periods, an estimated 2,985 heat-related deaths were recorded in England. Extreme heat also affects transport workers, increasing the risks of heat exhaustion and other health impacts, while disrupting journeys and reducing comfort and safety for passengers.
Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT, said:
“Climate disruption is no longer a future challenge. Highway authorities and transport operators are already seeing the effects of higher temperatures and more extreme weather on the transport network.
“When transport networks are disrupted by extreme heat, the consequences go beyond damaged infrastructure. Communities can lose access to jobs and essential services, businesses face delays and disruption, and the wider economy suffers.
“Our new guidance provides practical tools and checklists that local highway authorities can use now to understand risks, improve resilience and embed climate adaptation into decision-making. Investing in resilience today will help avoid greater economic and social costs in the future.”
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
