Floods, Widespread Heat Waves Are Undermining U.S. Transportation Systems

"Weather-related disruptions can have catastrophic consequences for commuters and the supply chain."

"The severe floods sweeping through the Midwest are a potent example of how extreme weather damages the transportation arteries we all rely on.

On Sunday, water levels rose so high in the Big Sioux River between South Dakota and Iowa that the current overtook a railroad bridge, severing a crucial connection between the two states.

Other modes of transportation have similarly buckled under climate impacts: Over the past few years, flooding submerged subways, heat waves melted rail systems and droughts cracked roads across the U.S.—with consequences for everything from commuting to supply chains.

The federal government is ramping up efforts to fortify transportation systems against climate shocks before they crumble. It won’t be easy."

Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News June 28, 2024.

Source: Inside Climate News, 07/01/2024