PIARC

PIARC’s Literature Review, “Envisioning the Transport Agency of the Future,” explores how road and transport administrations can adapt to technological disruption, climate change, and shifting societal needs.

Developed by PIARC Technical Committee 1.1, this report analyses over 100 sources from around the world to identify how agencies can become more agile, collaborative, and innovative — building resilient systems that balance sustainability, efficiency, and public value.

Discover the insights shaping the Transport Agency of the Future. Read it here: t.ly/L3lKZ

How do increasingly frequent extreme weather events affect road infrastructure?

In Routes/Roads, Adverse Climatic Phenomena and Their Impact on Road Embankments – A Case Study from the Czech Republic examines the effects of intense rainfall, erosion and vegetation management on embankment stability.

The article provides insights into how climate change is reshaping risk patterns and highlights the importance of adapting design, maintenance and earthworks practices to ensure long-term resilience.

Read the full article in Routes/Roads: http://t.ly/Nk3wv

As alternative propulsion technologies become more widespread, their impact on tunnel operations and safety is an emerging challenge.

This PIARC report, Impact of New Propulsion Technologies on Road Tunnel Operations and Safety – Literature Review, examines how electric and other alternatively fuelled vehicles may influence risk profiles, particularly in relation to fire behaviour, toxic emissions and emergency response strategies.

Drawing on current research and early case studies, the report provides an overview of available knowledge and identifies key considerations for tunnel design and operation as these technologies continue to evolve.

Read the full report here: http://t.ly/imLsN

What happens when extreme weather meets critical infrastructure?

In Routes/Roads, Event Analysis of the Severe Weather Damage on the A09 Pyhrn Motorway on 08.06.2024 provides a detailed case study of the impacts of intense rainfall, flooding and landslides on a major motorway in Austria.

The article explores the meteorological and hydrological factors behind the event, offering valuable insights into risk assessment and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions.

Read the full article in Routes/Roads: http://t.ly/uCkac

"Good Practices in Maintenance and Traffic Operation of Heavily Trafficked Urban Road Tunnels – Collection of Case Studies", gathers international experience on managing complex urban tunnel environments.

The report highlights key approaches such as rapid response strategies, measures to minimise disruption during maintenance works, and the use of new tools including BIM, digital twins and advanced monitoring systems.

It provides practical insights to support safer, more efficient tunnel operation while balancing maintenance needs and user impacts.

Read the full report here: http://t.ly/6fiYW

Can nature-based solutions help address complex geotechnical challenges?

In Routes/Roads, Bamboo-Geotextile System for Road Embankment on Soft Soil presents an innovative approach developed in Malaysia to stabilise road embankments built on soft clay.

The article highlights how combining bamboo with geotextiles can improve soil performance while offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for infrastructure development in challenging environments.

Read the full article in Routes/Roads: http://t.ly/5Zgm8

Reducing the carbon footprint of our roads — one innovation at a time.

PIARC’s latest report, “Measures for Reducing Carbon Footprint of Pavements – A Collection of Case Studies,” brings together global expertise and real-world examples from across all stages of a pavement’s life cycle. From sustainable materials and technologies to innovative construction methods, these case studies demonstrate how the road sector is taking concrete steps toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

Discover how experts worldwide — including from low- and middle-income countries — are driving the transformation of road infrastructure to reduce emissions while supporting social and economic progress.

Read it here: t.ly/HD59r

This PIARC report, Best Practices in Funding and Financing of Road Infrastructure – Collection of Case Studies, brings together 34 case studies from 22 countries exploring approaches to infrastructure funding and financing.

The report examines key challenges affecting the adoption of alternative procurement models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and highlights the importance of aligning financial, contractual and institutional frameworks to improve performance and attract investment.

By combining expertise from public authorities, financial institutions and industry, it provides valuable insights into effective practices and lessons learned across different contexts.

Read the full report: http://t.ly/Vbcvx