The Importance of Permafrost, Ice and Seasonally Frozen Ground to Road Systems in Canada

Road structures on permafrost are discussed and include specific aspects of performance that can be linked to climate change. Selected case studies in 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 the Northwest Territories. This case study is used to demonstrate how climate change 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 limits as a result of climate change. The aspects of seasonal weight limits that are 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 abstract see ITRD E139491.

• Authors:
  • HAYLEY, D
  • MCGREGOR, R
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 16p
• Serial:
  • 23RD PIARC WORLD ROAD CONGRESS PARIS, 17-21 SEPTEMBER 2007
  • Publisher: World Road Association (PIARC)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Greenhouse effect; Ice; Low volume roads; Road construction; Seasons; Vehicles; Weight; Winter
• Uncontrolled Terms: Use
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01116877
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 22 2008 8:36AM