A climate change adaptation framework for the maintenance of road infrastructure: using a systems approach for sustainable outcomes

Abstract

Climate adaptation is now a pressing issue Australia‐wide for the future development and maintenance of road infrastructure. Road asset managers can expect to operate under different climatic regimes in coming decades with the likelihood of higher maintenance costs and lower road asset life expectancy. A business‐as‐usual approach may lead to inappropriate decision‐making resulting in inefficient resource use, increased community disruption, adverse economic impacts and/or associated legal liabilities. A risk based climate change adaptation framework has been developed for the maintenance of road infrastructure that allows road asset managers to explore the implications of various climate change scenarios when deciding how, when and where maintenance should take place. Decision‐making frameworks have traditionally supported economic growth with environmental remediation. This paper describes a climate change adaptation framework that can effectively integrate economic, social and environmental aspects in asset management decision‐making processes. The framework, developed in consultation with road asset managers, uses tailored risk, vulnerability criteria and embraces sustainability principles within a system‐based construct.