Road Transportation Challenges in the Arctic

Abstract

Despite all efforts to mitigate global warming, its rate and magnitude are still rising where transportation is considered to be an important contributor. In the Arctic regions however, unstable weather conditions, strong seasonal variations, and long harsh winters result in additional challenges to transportation in different ways such as those related to environment, human health, safety, and economy. This study deals with challenges related to road transportation in the Arctic regions. With this aim in mind, firstly the effects of weather-related factors, including precipitation, temperature and wind on road transportation are presented. Then, to investigate challenges, a causal analysis utilizing the approach of fault tree analysis (FTA) is conducted in which the related impacts are classified into three categories: environment, health/safety and economy. Accordingly, the critical causes are discussed and mitigating measures are addressed. It is suggested that the holistic review presented in the paper will be useful in identifying the most sustainable ways to decrease negative effects from road transportation in the Arctic.