A new study by the Midwest Economic Policy Institute shows how climate change harms roads, bridges and traffic patterns in the region. Study author Mary Craighead says the average temperature in the Midwest has increased by more than 4 degrees since the 1980s, and the number of days of very heavy rainfall have risen by 27 percent since the 1950s.
Craighead says flooding is a key issue because of a steady reduction in Great Lakes ice coverage and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles. She says floods, high winds, ice, snow and storms can damage electric distribution facilities and above-ground transmission lines.
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The study estimates national infrastructure repairs will top 2 trillion dollars by 2025.