Designing Resilience: Climate Risk Planning for a Next-Generation Transit Line

A new 10-mile subway line is set to transform mobility in a major North American city. Featuring 15 new stations, faster travel times, and greater access to key destinations, the project will also cut tens of thousands of daily car trips—helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality. To ensure this vital infrastructure stands up to climate change, Montrose Environmental was engaged to assess climate risk and recommend measures to build long-term resilience into both design and operations.

Climate Resilience from the Start

Public transit is essential for urban growth, accessibility, and climate action. But today's infrastructure must be ready for tomorrow's challenges. Recognizing this, project leaders prioritized climate risk assessments early in the process—well before construction began. Montrose conducted a full evaluation of climate hazards and vulnerabilities, helping project teams make informed decisions when adaptation is still practical and cost-effective.

Evaluating and Addressing Climate Hazards

Montrose assessed eight major climate risks—including flooding, extreme heat, and high winds—with a focus on mid- to long-term resilience (2050s—2080s). The team recommended adaptive design solutions such as enhanced drainage systems, thermal stress protection for underground stations, and storm-resilient infrastructure at key entry points.

Residual risks were addressed through updates to operations and maintenance strategies, and for asset management and capital planning, ensuring climate resilience throughout the project's life cycle.

A Collaborative and Credible Approach

Using the ISO 31000-equivalent PIEVC (Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee) framework, Montrose brought a rigorous, standards-based approach to risk evaluation. Importantly, the process involved stakeholders across design, construction, and O&M teams—creating a culture of shared responsibility for long-term resilience.

Montrose also identified the need for coordination with existing infrastructure systems, including municipal stormwater networks, to prevent compounding vulnerabilities and support integrated resilience.

A Model for Future Projects

This year-long collaboration—spanning site visits, stakeholder workshops, and detailed assessments—set a new precedent for climate-forward transit planning. By embedding resilience at the foundation of the design process, this project now stands as a model for how infrastructure can be built to last, adapt, and thrive in a changing world.

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