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    Planning

    Advancing Resilient Transportation at PennDOT​

    ​Resilience in transportation is the measure of how well the state's transportation system can withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruptive events, particularly extreme weather conditions. In recent years, Pennsylvania has faced significant challenges, including flooding and landslides, highlighting the critical need for robust infrastructure.

    Strategic Initiatives

    PennDOT has identified the following strategic initiatives to bolster resiliency. PennDOT has already embarked on numerous activities that align with these strat​egic initiatives. Our future endeavors will build on these foundations, working in tandem with our Districts and Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations (MPOs/RPOs) to further refine and integrate resilience into our transportation framework.

     

    Contacts

    Michael D. Rimer, AICP
    Transportation Planning Manager, Center for Program Development and Management

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    Foster collaboration with local and regional partners in planning, operations, maintenance, and engineering to pinpoint and address our most pressing vulnerabilities and needs.​​

    • The PennDOT Connects program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the state's transportation system through collaborative planning. It emphasizes integrating community needs early in the planning process to ensure efficient and effective use of resources. 
    PennDOT Connects logo

    Recently, PennDOT has refined its outreach approach by updating forms and questions to more accurately identify local vulnerabilities and risks associated with extreme weather. This update also seeks to uncover opportunities for resilient design alternatives that can withstand such conditions.

    • PennDOT had integrated resilience as one of the Department's six primary initiatives in Pennsylvania's 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).  The plan's goals and initiatives were developed based on broad engagement with diverse stakeholders, the public, and underrepresented interests.
    RESILIENCE

    Strengthen Pennsylvania transportation resilience to climate change and other risks and reduce the environmental impacts associated with transportation improvements.

    • Employ resiliency measures/actions to ensure long-term system stability.

    • Evaluate projects for their expected climate change and resiliency impact and implications.

    • Improve environmental stewardship during and before project construction.

    • PennDOT's Center for Program Development and Management (CPDM) continues to support regional MPOs/RPOs in integrating resiliency into their transportation planning process including the regional Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs).  

    • PennDOT has established a resiliency workgroup to unite various disciplines within the Department, along with partners from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This workgroup is instrumental in steering the development of comprehensive resilience policies, advocating for further studies, and assessing potential strategies and technologies.​

    ​Identify and analyze the specific vulnerabilities of Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure to develop targeted resilience strategies.

    • In 2017, PennDOT completed an Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study which included an assessment of road and bridge infrastructure vulnerable to flooding. The study not only examined historical flood events but also projected the impact of future flooding scenarios on several pilot counties. Since then, the mapping and risk assessment procedures have been periodically refined. These updates have informed planning documents and help prioritize projects for resilience-focused funding.  The full study documentation and appendices are available in the Resiliency-Focused Study Documentation links section.   >>  Read the study
    • PennDOT continues efforts to review and refine the flood risk calculations and scoring methodologies established in the Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study. With the collaboration of Central Office and District staff, there's an ongoing effort to integrate additional data and adjust criteria weightings to better identify priority areas. Furthermore, PennDOT is exploring further studies to assess the future impacts of climate change-induced flooding and its potential effects on risk assessments.

    • In Pennsylvania, land and rock slides (particularly in more mountainous regions of the state), and other geotechnical phenomena such as sinkholes, have significantly affected the transportation infrastructure. To address this, PennDOT is currently developing a Geotechnical Asset Management Plan (GAMP). This plan will create an inventory of geotechnical assets and vulnerabilities, and establish a hierarchy of risk associated with the asset (such as the roadway or slope associated with a slide), providing a systematic approach to managing geotechnical assets. The insights and results from GAMP will complement the findings from the Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study, enhancing the understanding of the impacts of flooding due to weather events. Together, the GAMP and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study will guide the identification, characterization, and prioritization of resilient projects, ensuring a robust and adaptive transportation network for Pennsylvania.

    • PennDOT is actively supporting MPOs/RPOs interested in conducting detailed vulnerability or risk assessments. These assessments are crucial for a granular evaluation of the regional transportation systems, encompassing not just roads and bridges but also the multi-modal network, including transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructures. The objective is to pinpoint specific locations that would benefit from resilient design evaluations, as well as to identify particular projects that can be incorporated into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).​

    Large section of roadway collapsed; traffic blocked off as workers stand by.

    Integrating resilience considerations into our infrastructure design process to ensure enhanced durability and adaptability.

    • In 2018, PennDOT undertook an FHWA-sponsored pilot study to explore the integration of forecasted climate scenarios into hydrologic and hydraulic analyses within its design process.  This study laid the groundwork for PennDOT's formal integration and revision of design practices, enhancing the resilience of Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure.   
      >>  Read the study
    • PennDOT is advancing a resilient design ass​essment for bridges, culverts, and roadways, which is a key component of its ongoing strategy to evaluate and mitigate flooding vulnerabilities and risks within the transportation infrastructure.

    • This assessment is tailored to address the challenges posed by increasingly intense and frequent precipitation events anticipated in future climate scenarios, taking into account the unique vulnerabilities of individual projects. By incorporating future climate projections, the assessment aims to identify and implement adaptation strategies that bolster the resilience of infrastructure. These critical elements are in the process of being incorporated into PennDOT's Design Manual (DM2) Chapter 10. The updates will include comprehensive design checklists that guide engineers in evaluating alternative scenarios and assessing adaptation strategies for locations at risk of extreme weather events. ​

    Exploring and evaluating cutting-edge strategies and technologies that can fortify our transportation system against disruptions.

    • PennDOT utilizes a system known as BridgeWatch for real-time monitoring of bridges across the state. The system is designed to monitor multiple sources, such as NEXRAD precipitation and USGS stream and seismic data, around the clock. This provides PennDOT personnel with up-to-date condition information, which is crucial for maintaining bridge safety and integrity.  BridgeWatch is part of PennDOT's comprehensive bridge management strategy and reflects PennDOT's commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing the resilience and safety of transportation infrastructure.

    • PennDOT is actively collaborating with academic institutions to explore resilient strategies, including the use of innovative materials for stream embankments to mitigate flooding and erosion. These research activities are part of a coordinated effort led by PennDOT's resilience workgroup, which aims to enhance the durability and sustainability of Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure. One such partnership involves the PennDOT Bridge Office working with Lehigh University on a project that examined various backfill materials and their interaction with extreme weather runoff in a test environment, leading to recommendations for modifying structural backfill supporting culvert pipes.

    • PennDOT is committed to tracking and sharing transportation adaptation strategies across its Districts to enhance resiliency. By documenting and disseminating these practices, including unique applications of technology and design, PennDOT aims to provide valuable insights into effective resilience strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that successful adaptations are recognized and can be replicated or tailored to suit different areas of the state, contributing to a more robust and adaptable transportation network.  PennDOT will continue to share relevant case studies in the Case Studies on Successful Resiliency Strategies link.  

    Enhancing the monitoring and reporting of extreme weather impacts on transportation infrastructure.​

    • The State Transportation Commission (STC) and PennDOT's Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) creates a biennial Transportation Performance Report (TPR) that explains t​he progress and needs of Pennsylvania's transportation system in the most recent two-year period.  The report includes weather resiliency as a measure.

    • PennDOT has developed historic reports on flooding closures based on information in the Department's Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS).  See the Performance Metric Reports link for the latest flooding closure summaries.

    Efficiently managing federal funding programs aimed at reinforcing the state's transportation resilience.

    • The PROTECT Formula Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is a significant initiative by the FHWA to bolster the resilience of transportation infrastructure against natural hazards and climate change. PennDOT has been allocated a portion of the $7.3 billion available through this program to implement resilience projects across the state1. PennDOT's administration process for the program includes a call for projects within its districts, fostering collaboration with MPOs/RPOs to identify potential projects, and integrating risk mapping for project prioritization and selection. Additionally, PennDOT has developed eligibility forms to ensure projects align with resilience objectives. Moving forward, PennDOT will continue to refine these administrative processes and encourage the sharing of successful project examples among regions to promote widespread adoption of resilient strategies. 
    • The FHWA PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program is a national competitive initiative that invites applicants to submit detailed proposals for funding. It's designed to enhance the resilience of the surface transportation system against climate change and natural hazards, by supporting planning activities, resilience improvements, and the development of innovative solutions. This program is a pivotal opportunity for state and local governments to obtain funding for transformative projects that can serve as national models for resilience. In the FFY 2022 and 2023 round, PennDOT was awarded funding for the “Protect the Parkway (I-376) Floodwall Improvement Project" in Pittsburgh. Additionally, the City of Philadelphia was granted funds to rehabilitate two aging bridges over Wissahickon Creek in northwest Philadelphia. PennDOT is actively collaborating with Districts and MPOs/RPOs to explore future opportunities for this program in upcoming grant rounds. 

      PROTECT Funding

       

       5-Year Total
      		20222023202420252026
      ​​​​​​​​​​​Pennsylvania Totals:$301 million
      		$58 million
      		$59 million​
      		$60 million
      		$61 million​$63 million​
      Program Guidance: PROTECT Formula Program Guidance

      Program Purpose:​

      • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program

      • Focuses on funding to make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters

      • The PROTECT Program includes both formula funding distributed to States and competitive grants. This summary describes the program's formula funding

      Eligible Facilities (Projects are treated as Federal-aid projects):

      • Highway projects eligible under Title 23

      • Transit projects eligible under Chapter 53 of Title 49

      • Port facilities

      • Natural infrastructure, storm surge and flood protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration

      Eligible Activities:

      • Resilience Planning – Development of state Resilience Improvement Plans, other resilience planning activities, capacity building, and evacuation planning and preparation

      • Resilience Improvements – Projects to make existing surface transportation assets more resilient, such as improving drainage, upgrades to meet or exceed design standards, relocating roadways, or elevating bridges

      • Community Resilience and Evacuation Routes – Improvements to make evacuation routes more resilient or add capacity and redundant evacuation routes

      • At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure – Protecting, strengthening, or relocating coastal highway and non-rail infrastructure

      Federal / Non-Federal Share:​

      • Maximum 80% Federal share; 20% non-Federal

      • Other Federal Funds can be used for the non-Federal share

      • Non-Federal share may be reduced by

        • 7% if the State develops a Resilience Improvement Plan that prioritizes the project; and

        • 3% if a State Resilience Improvement Plan is incorporated into the metropolitan transportation plan or the statewide long-range transportation plan​

      PROTECT Formula Program Administration


      Summary of Project Selection Process:
      PennDOT's Resiliency Working Group has developed a framework that delineates specific roles and responsibilities for Central Office, Districts, and Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations (MPOs and RPOs). PennDOT continues to work with Districts and MPOs/RPOs on ways to further refine and enhance the management and coordination of this funding program.

      Key roles and responsibilities include: 

      1. Coordination between Districts and MPOs/RPOs: In order to understand regional challenges throughout the Commonwealth, active coordination between Districts and MPOs/RPOs is imperative as we identify hazards and prioritize transportation resilience needs. Collaboration between Districts and MPOs/RPOs is also necessary to assess data and identify priority locations, with a particular emphasis on opportunities to support equity initiatives. This inclusive approach aligns with our commitment to addressing the unique needs of all communities and is a requirement related to the PROTECT funding program.

      2. Development and Prioritization of Conceptual Project Ideas: The District and MPO/RPO expertise are vital in developing and prioritizing conceptual project ideas. We encourage creative and innovative solutions that enhance the resilience of our transportation infrastructure. The FHWA's PROTECT guidance provides important information related to eligible project categories.

      3. Submission of Recommendations:  The following are generalized steps that PennDOT Districts, in coordination with MPOs and RPOs, should follow to submit proposed projects for PROTECT funding:
        • Submit a proposed project listing in order of priority for your District from the highest priority (top) to the lowest (bottom). Timely and well-documented submissions will contribute to the successful allocation of the PROTECT funding.

        • Complete a project eligibility form for all proposed projects.  This form facilitates the review of projects by the PennDOT Central Office and FHWA to ensure alignment with federally defined eligibility criteria. The information gathered ​also informs investment decisions, project prioritization, and evaluations for additional PROTECT discretionary grant opportunities.

        • Organize and maintain completed eligibility forms by District for all proposed projects.

          Detailed submission instructions for districts and planning partners will be disseminated.  Please contact Michael Rimer, Transportation Planning Manager for the Center for Program Development and Management with questions about the program.
          .
      4. ​​Sharing of Case Studies and Adaptation Strategies: Districts and MPOs/RPOs are encouraged to share relevant case studies and adaptation strategies with Central Office and other regions. This collaborative knowledge-sharing will strengthen our collective resilience efforts.

       

      PENNDOT CENTRAL OFFICE

      PENNDOT DISTRICT OFFICES

      MPOs/RPOs

      View All Administration Roles and Processes (text version)

      Resiliency Resources

      PennDOT Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study (2017)

      ​The PennDOT Extreme Weather Vulne​rability Study centers around evaluating historical vulnerabilities, creating a framework to address climate change impacts, and conducting an initial assessment of risks a​nd priorities related to the identified vulnerabilities. 

      The risk analysis process specifically focuses on historical and future flooding scenarios, utilizing available information from state road closure data, global climate models, NOAA weather data, and PennDOT's roadway, bridge, culvert, and traffic data systems. This comprehensive study involved extensive stakeholder outreach, assessment of historical and future climate impacts, identification of vulnerabilities and risks, and the formulation of general strategies to enhance transportation asset resiliency.

      ​​FHWA Pilot Study fo​​r Integration to Design Process (2020)

      ​The Climate Resiliency Pilot Study on Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses study built upon the efforts of the Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study to develop site-specific hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The study sought to identify potential data, methods, and procedures that could be integrated into PennDOT's current design process to address climate change impacts. 

      ​​Key components of the study included data exploration, methodology development, and drawing from national research efforts. By integrating climate resilience considerations into PennDOT's design practices, the study aimed to enhance transportation asset durability and adaptability in the face of changing weather patterns.​  >>  Read the study

      PennDOT continues to monitor flooding closures based on reported information in PennDOT’s Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS).  PennDOT is evaluating additional performance metrics including the monitoring of other impacts, the programmed costs of repairs due to extreme weather events, and tracking investments made under the PROTECT funding program.

       

      Data Mapping Resource to Support Assessments of Resilience Needs

      Leveraging the comprehensive data gathered from the 2017 Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study, PennDOT has developed and maintains a mapping tool. This tool has been instrumental in various capacities, including the evaluation of projects for the PROTECT funding program and serving as a pivotal resource for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)/Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) in assessing resilience needs within their planning frameworks.

      Our commitment to refining this tool is ongoing, as we aim to bolster resilience planning and facilitate precise project identification. To further enrich our database, we invite Districts and MPOs/RPOs to contribute additional data sources that can be assimilated, enhancing the robustness and utility of our mapping resource.  Future revisions to this mapping tool may include integration within the PennDOT OneMap system.​

      This section will showcase future examples of innovative projects and adaptation strategies that have been successfully implemented across Pennsylvania to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. As we compile these case studies, we invite Districts and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)/Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) to contribute ideas for potential features. These submissions may highlight the use of cutting-edge technologies, novel applications in emergency management, or any unique approaches that enhance our transportation system’s resilience. The forthcoming examples will serve as a testament to Pennsylvania’s proactive and resourceful responses to environmental challenges, providing valuable insights and guidance for supporting agencies looking to bolster their own resiliency efforts.

       

      For a comprehensive understanding of case study documentation, we recommend referring to the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Resilience Case Studies:  Emergency Relief Resilience Case Studies - ER - Federal-aid Programs - Federal-aid Programs and Special Funding - Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)