Road structures on permafrost are discussed and include specific aspects of performance that can be linked to climate change. Selected case studiesin Canada's north are presented to describe the issues and adaptations. Winter and ice roads are used extensively in Canada to resupply remote communities and to support resource development. The Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road is infrastructure that supports the diamond mining industry in theNorthwest Territories. This case study is used to demonstrate how climatechange has impacted the operation and initiated the development of new technologies to optimize the shortening operating season. Seasonal weight limits play a significant role in the economy of the prairie region of Canada. It is important to consider potential changes in seasonal weight limitsas a result of climate change. The aspects of seasonal weight limits thatare vulnerable to climate change and possible adaptation strategies are discussed. The study concludes by making some summary statements on what this means in terms of reshaping the Canadian approach to transportation infrastructure management in Canada's cold regions. For the covering abstractsee ITRD E139491.
Samenvatting