This research project develops a novel methodology for assessing transportation network vulnerability and resilience, with a particular focus on incorporating social vulnerability into the analysis. The study addresses a critical gap in existing research by integrating socioeconomic vulnerability indicators into the evaluation of transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities for areas facing multi-hazards, using the Portland metropolitan area as a case study.
The methodology combines spatial analysis, network modeling, and social vulnerability indices to identify critical links in the transportation system. It assesses the impact of potential disruptions on accessibility to essential services such as hospitals, emergency shelters, schools, and community centers. The study considers multiple natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides, providing a comprehensive risk assessment.
Key innovations include the integration of social vulnerability measures to highlight differential impacts on various population groups, ensuring equity considerations in resilience planning. The research reveals that some links, while not critical for the overall network, can have substantial localized impacts on specific communities, particularly those with high social vulnerability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and transportation planners in prioritizing infrastructure investments for retrofit, repair, and reconstruction. The methodology developed can be used for scenario planning, allowing stakeholders to evaluate different mitigation strategies and their potential impacts on network resilience and social equity.
While the study focuses on the Portland area, the approach is designed to be adaptable to other urban areas, contributing to broader efforts in transportation resilience planning. The research also identifies limitations and areas for future investigation, including the need to consider multi-modal transportation, incorporate business vulnerability, and address data uncertainties.
