Operationalizing resilience practices in transportation infrastructure planning and project development

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine practices for incorporating resilience by transportation agencies. This paper presents findings from state-wide interviews and survey of personnel in transportation organizations throughout Texas. This study is focused on resilience planning and practices (not emergency management and evacuation planning). The research examines the state of resilience incorporation in transportation project planning and development. Our analysis reveals the gap between resilience research and engineering practice and highlights the need for innovative and practical methods, processes, and information for resilience integration. The findings suggest that while there are a few available frameworks for incorporating resilience, the implementation of these tools varies significantly in different districts and organizations. Elements needed to facilitate consideration of resilience in transportation planning and project development include proper policy and procedures, adequate funding and financing, knowledgeable staff, within- and cross-organization coordination, and proper tools, metrics, and data. This research helps facilitate prioritization and strategic improvement of efforts for resilience integration in transportation planning and project development.