NS758- MnDOT Research & Innovation

NS758: Mapping heat vulnerability: A comparative rural-urban study of transportation impacts

Problem

This research aims to assess heat vulnerability across the state, focusing on the intersection of transportation infrastructure, community demographics, and geographical context. By merging spatial analysis techniques with comparative rural-urban studies, we will identify and map heat vulnerability hotspots, pinpointing areas where residents are disproportionately exposed to extreme heat due to their proximity to major roadways and transportation facilities. The study will analyze spatial data on roadway density, heat island effects, socioeconomic indicators, and access to cooling resources and transportation alternatives. We will specifically investigate how heat islands, driven by impervious surfaces and limited green spaces, impact vulnerable communities while also examining the challenges faced by rural areas, such as longer travel distances. This comparative approach will highlight distinct vulnerability patterns and inform targeted DOT policies to mitigate heat impacts equitably.

Objective

The findings will provide actionable insights for prioritizing infrastructure investments, developing tailored mitigation strategies, and ensuring that all communities, regardless of location, are protected from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

Previous research

Tools to Improve the Durability of Asphalt Pavements https://researchprojects.dot.state.mn.us/projectpages/details?id=30643&type=CONTRACT
Using construction and demolition waste materials to alleviate the negative effect of pavements on the urban heat island: A laboratory, field, and numerical study https://trid.trb.org/View/2392808
Laboratorial Investigation on Optical and Thermal Properties of Thermochromic Pavement Coatings for Dynamic Thermoregulation and Urban Heat Island Mitigation https://trid.trb.org/View/1955643

Expected outcomes

New or improved policy, rules, or regulations

Expected benefits

The numbers 1 and 2 indicate whether the source of the benefit measurement is from:

A specific research task in your project that will be measuring this particular benefit, or
A separate effort to analyze data provided by the state or local agency involved in this project.

Decrease Engineering/Administrative Cost: (2)

This research offers critical insights into the intersection of transportation infrastructure and heat vulnerability across the state. This includes implementing heat-mitigation measures, particularly in areas where roadways exacerbate the heat island effect. The study will inform the development of targeted policies and planning initiatives, ensuring that infrastructure resilience is enhanced and that transportation systems are designed to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat.

User Benefits: (2)

Local agencies stand to gain actionable insights for community-level planning and intervention from this research. The detailed mapping of heat vulnerability, considering both urban and rural contexts, enables targeted mitigation strategies tailored to specific community needs. Understanding the interplay of socioeconomic factors and proximity to transportation facilities allows agencies to address environmental justice concerns and prioritize resources for the most vulnerable residents.