Floating and elevated roads are designed to maintain connectivity during floods and extreme weather events. Floating roads use pontoons or lightweight structures to rest on water or unstable ground, allowing them to rise and fall with water levels. Elevated roads, such as causeways or flyovers, are built above ground level to stay accessible when surrounding areas are inundated. Both options reduce disruption to transport networks, enable emergency evacuations, and protect economic activities during climate-related disasters.
Another, low impact, option is to slightly mount roads in the middle, creating a slight slope to the sides, allowing rainwater to drain more easily.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
In Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Martin, flood-prone areas are often coastal or low-lying urban zones. Elevated roads could be integrated into urban planning to ensure access to hospitals, airports, and evacuation routes during storms. Floating roads may be less common but could serve as temporary solutions in areas with poor drainage or near wetlands. Technical expertise and funding are key challenges, but local engineering firms and regional partnerships can support implementation.
Co-benefits
Apart from ensuring the accessibility of an area for rescue services and/or evacuation in the case of floods, floating roads can improve the overall infrastructure. E.g. elevated roads in urban areas also serve for redirecting traffic beyond densely populated areas and so help pedestrians and cyclists stay safe. In addition, as efficient transportation of goods and services is ensured during floods or periods with higher water levels, operations of commercial firms and industrial producers are safeguarded.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
When planning elevated or floating roads, it is important to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left isolated. Routes should prioritize access to essential services for low-income neighborhoods and rural areas. Inclusive decision-making and equity-focused design can prevent disparities in mobility and safety.
Costs
Medium - High | Elevated roads involve high upfront costs due to foundations, drainage systems, and utility relocation. Floating roads are generally less expensive than bridges and can be deployed quickly, but they require specialized materials and maintenance.
Case studies & Examples
Literature
- Bertram, C., Brown, C. A., Herrera, E., Lewis, S., & McLachlan, R. L. (2025). Actionable science for small island communities: Wind velocity and sea‐level rise enhance tidal flooding on Little Cumberland Island, Georgia. Community Science, 4(2), e2023CSJ000058.
- Pregnolato, M., Ford, A., Wilkinson, S. M., & Dawson, R. J. (2017). The impact of flooding on road transport: A depth-disruption function. Transportation research part D: transport and environment, 55, 67-81.