An algorithm to prioritize road network restoration after a regional event

Transportation networks are one of several critical infrastructures first responders rely upon in order to deliver emergency services. However, there is no guarantee that a transportation network will be fully operational following a regional event such as a hurricane or earthquake. Emergency planning and response tools must explicitly integrate this possibility to ensure the completeness of the risk assessment process. This paper examines the elevated vulnerability a community is exposed to when disruptions in a transportation network slow emergency response. An average weighted vulnerability metric is defined to favor a network clearing strategy that quickly restores emergency response times to their nominal levels. This metric is incorporated into an algorithm to prioritize network restoration, so that the individuals that may require assistance are not exposed to prolonged periods of heightened response times. The utility of the approach is illustrated through a series of examples. Our results demonstrate that the approach can offer systematic guidance to reduce emergency response times after a partial or complete outage of a transportation network.