Barriers and opportunities for dynamic adaptation of coastal railways

• Dynamic adaptive pathways planning light (DAPP-light) was applied through a series of workshops in Trelleborg, Sweden. • Windows of Opportunity supported the identification of barriers and opportunities for dynamic adaptation. • The study reveals that coastal railway adaptation must align with urban development to avoid lock-ins and enhance resilience. Railways are vital for climate mitigation as a low-carbon mode of transport but must also be resilient to climate change impacts. This study explores dynamic adaptation strategies for coastal railway infrastructure in Sweden, focusing on Trelleborg. Stakeholder workshops informed adaptation pathways using a Dynamic Adaptive Pathways Planning Light (DAPP)-light approach, which enhances stakeholder engagement and supports long-term decision-making under uncertainty. A Windows of Opportunity framework was applied to assess governance conditions for implementation. Findings show that railway adaptation must be integrated with broader urban planning. Key barriers include fragmented responsibilities, rigid land use policies, limited funding, and reluctance to engage in long-term planning. Opportunities lie in reframing existing policies, fostering intersectoral collaboration, and adopting incremental planning.