ICF International Study Examines Climate-Related Risks and Vulnerabilities to Commuter Rail Line in Pennsylvania

ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI), a leading provider of consulting services and technology solutions to government and commercial clients, has announced the findings of a study funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration. The study, A Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of SEPTA’s Regional Rail, is a detailed analysis of past service disruptions, future climate scenarios, risks, and adaption options for a selected Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) commuter rail line in Pennsylvania.

Transit agencies in cities around the world are increasingly responding to disruptions in service and damage to assets associated with gradual changes in climate and extreme weather events. In partnership with SEPTA and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, ICF conducted an analysis of the climate-related risks and vulnerabilities to the Manayunk/Norristown (M/N) regional rail line running from the Center City Philadelphia station to the Elm Street station in Norristown, Pa. The M/N line has experienced a disproportionate share of weather-related disruptions as compared to other lines in recent years. This study honed in on those disruptions as a basis for understanding the vulnerability of transit agency assets and services to climate change hazards such as intense precipitation and heat waves.

The analysis projects that the M/N line is currently most vulnerable to track washouts from heavy rain and tropical storms, along with delays from snow storms. Additionally, the M/N line may become increasingly vulnerable to heat-related problems (such as sagging wires, track buckling, and equipment failures) as extreme heat becomes more common. Heavy rain events, which can flood the M/N line and wash out the track, are also projected to become more common. Adaptation strategies were identified to minimize SEPTA’s current and projected vulnerabilities to extreme weather and climate change, and to make the line more resilient.

“This study made long-term climate change information matter to SEPTA,” said Anne Choate, senior vice president for ICF International. “We began with what they are currently experiencing and our investigation into current vulnerabilities allowed for a dialogue across disciplines on how to shore up the entire enterprise to climate and extreme weather risks into the future. As a result, SEPTA is more prepared and its staff is more attuned to climate-related vulnerabilities in the system.”

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About ICF International

ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) provides professional services and technology solutions that deliver beneficial impact in areas critical to the world's future. ICF is fluent in the language of change, whether driven by markets, technology, or policy. Since 1969, we have combined a passion for our work with deep industry expertise to tackle our clients' most important challenges. We partner with clients around the globe—advising, executing, innovating—to help them define and achieve success. Our more than 5,000 employees serve government and commercial clients from more than 70 offices worldwide. ICF's website is www.icfi.com.

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