Evaluating the Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Transportation in Red Hook, New York

Abstract

Coastal communities across the United States are increasingly at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels. Sea-level rise will increase the frequency and severity of recurrent tidal flooding, or “nuisance” flooding, as well as flooding resulting from coastal storms. Recurrent tidal and coastal flooding can damage the infrastructure that coastal communities rely on, particularly the transportation infrastructure, which serves as a conduit for critical goods and services. This study uses geospatial tools to identify direct and indirect impacts of recurrent tidal and coastal flooding on the transportation infrastructure in New York City, focusing on a particularly vulnerable neighborhood in Southwest Brooklyn; Red Hook. This analysis identifies roads, bus routes, and subway stations in Red Hook that are vulnerable to flooding under three sea-level rise scenarios: 2 feet (2050s), 4 feet (2080s), and 6 feet (2100s). This study also models indirect impacts of flooding, such as transportation delays, that will impact Red Hook residents. The study concludes with recommendations to city managers and local decision-makers to improve the resiliency of the transportation infrastructure in New York City and the resiliency of the Red Hook community.