PennDOT Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study (2017)
The PennDOT Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study centers around evaluating historical vulnerabilities, creating a framework to address climate change impacts, and conducting an initial assessment of risks and 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. >> Read the study
FHWA Pilot Study for 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 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.
By Year (Statewide)
The chart depicts the year 2011 as the worst year for closures, topping out at roughly 2200 closures. Six years later in 2018, the second largest number was reported with approximately 1700 closures. On the other end of the spectrum, 2023 and 2009 incurred the least closures at about 50 and 250, respectively.
By District
The below chart indicates districts 8, 6, and 3 incurred the most closures, numbering between 1400 to 1900.
2023 Resilience Needs
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By County
In 2023, the most closures occurred in the following counties: York, Allegheny, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Lancaster counties. Closures in those counties were between 360 to 550. The least number of closures were reported in Cameron, Venango, Clarion, McKean, and Cambria counties with between 15 to 50 closures.
By Roadway Classification
The following chart dislays Non-National Highways (NHS) of less than 2000 closures that accounted for slightly more than all other classifications. Non-NHS classified roadways with greater than 2000 closures were the second largest group followed by NHS Non-Interstate and finally, Interestate roadways.
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.
| 5-Year Total | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Totals: | $301 million | $58 million | $59 million | $60 million | $61 million | $63 million |
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
- 7% if the State develops a Resilience Improvement Plan that prioritizes the project; and
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:
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.
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 guidanceOpens In A New Window provides important information related to eligible project categories.