reginald desroches

Abstract

Hurricane Katrina: Performance of Transportation Systems is a comprehensive evaluation of the gulf coast’s bridge, railroad, and roadway performance following Hurricane Katrina, the most destructive an costliest natural disaster in the history of the United States. A reconnaissance team formed by TCLEE with support form the Mid-America Earthquake Center prepared this report.

Though the failure of New Orleans’ levees attracted considerable media attention, other infrastructure also suffered significant damage. Katrina’s high wind speeds and storm surge along the coastal regions (aside for the flooding in New Orleans) had a devastating impact upon the gulf coast’s bridges, railways and roads.

Major topics covered in this report include an overview of the hurricane and its damage, emergency preparedness, highway bridge, railroad, and roadway performance and repair, rerouting and traffic demands, impact on new design, and lessons learned.

Praise:

"The book is a fascinating, easy-to-read account with photographs, maps, tables, and sketches that help the reader understand and appreciate the impact of the devastation on the area's transportation systems."
CHOICE