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Planning For A Changing Climate

Explore how climate change is shaping Virginia transportation. Learn how VTrans is responding by planning for and managing risks.

Megatrend 1: Climate

Climate is one of the four megatrends identified by VTrans. These are powerful forces that will impact Virginia’s transportation systems in the future. Likely climate dangers include:
  • Flooding risk from sea level rise
  • Storm surges
  • Inland flooding
Predicting the future is not easy. So, three scenarios point out the level of uncertainty for each forecast. They range from low, to medium, to high. The policy relies on total impacts to all the Macrotrends and Megatrends. Together, they help identify risks and opportunities to the Commonwealth’s transportation system.
On This Page

Macrotrend 1: Increase in Flooding Risk

VTrans Macrotrend 1: Flooding Risk Assessment Technical Memorandum includes additional information and the model’s methodology.

The interactive chart illustrates the number of roadway miles at risk from flooding by hazard type in the Medium Impact Scenario. The interactive map shows three scenarios developed for each of the three hazards.

Number of Roadways At Risk from Flooding
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Scenario Map for the Three Hazards
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To query, print, download, or comment, visit InteractVTrans MapExplorer. For interactive infographics, visit InteractVTrans DataExplorer
Total Impacts of Megatrends and Macrotrends

You can find cumulative impacts, their risks, and opportunities here:Policy for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Risk & Opportunity Register.

For more information visit:

Things to Know
  • The intent is to prepare, not predict. This is a risk-based approach. It helps understand a range of possible impacts. This helps plan timelines and priorities.
  • The groups who help set policy can change trends to achieve more desirable results.
  • The Policy for Development and Monitoring of VTrans Risk & Opportunity Register helps monitor and report on these trends.
Megatrend Links
Megatrend 1: ClimateMegatrend 2: TechnologyMegatrend 3: ConsumptionMegatrend 4: Socio-demographic Changes
Frequently Asked Questions

Have more VTrans questions? Find answers on our FAQ page.