Road Infrastructure Faces Challenges Amidst Changing Climate Conditions

Why it matters locally: Rhode Island, with its coastal proximity and existing infrastructure, is susceptible to the increased precipitation and extreme weather events that can accelerate road degradation. State and local highway departments will likely face growing demands to maintain and repair roadways.

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Roads throughout the United States are showing signs of stress as climate conditions shift. Observers noted that increased heat and precipitation levels contribute to damage on national roadways. Heat waves, characterized by their growing frequency and intensity, directly affect pavement. For instance, construction crews in Houston repaired a heat-damaged road on June 27, 2023. Similar damage occurred during a July Fourth weekend heat wave that same year. Experts indicate that maintaining road infrastructure in a future with warmer and wetter conditions will require continued attention and resources.