Transportation

New York State boasts one of the largest, most complex transportation systems in the United States. Roads, waterways, mass transit, rails, and airport runways help people and goods move across the state’s unique geography—and around the country and world.

Increased frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of climate hazards will afffect New York State’s already vulnerable transportation system. For example, extreme precipitation can disrupt traffic flow, causing flight delays, slowed loading and unloading of cargo at ports, and congestion on roads. Increased flooding can cause water damage to electrical equipment supporting mass transit and railways as well as structural damage to bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. Disruptions to transportation can affect supply chains, commutes, and access to emergency and medical care.

This chapter examines the impacts of climate change on the New York State transportation system by transportation mode: roadways, mass transit, railways, waterways, air, and micromobility. Each modal section summarizes the observed and projected climate impacts, vulnerable populations and systems, and strategies for adaptation and resilience. The chapter also explores opportunities for positive change and emerging research needs.