Development of Dual-Purpose Desert Tortoise Crossing Culverts (NDOT 733-19-803)

Research and design dual-purpose structures that balance drainage function, Mojave Desert tortoise accessibility, and maintenance requirements with the goal to reduce construction and maintenance costs, reduce habitat fragmentation, and increase population viability for the desert tortoise. An initial critical literature review to understand the conflicts between wildlife crossing and hydraulic culverts will be performed, followed by a two-year monitoring period where data will be collected from existing tortoise crossings. During this time period, evaluation of various types of culverts hydraulic capabilities and erosion control options that provide safe passage for tortoises will take place, and a summary report will be produced. Utilizing the collected information, approximately four high priority areas will be identified, and retrofit culvert engineer drawings and plans will be developed. The results of this research are expected to be directly applicable for NDOT’s use in developing a Best Management Practices manual for dual-purpose structures and in the near-term, retrofitting existing structures. These solutions will allow for desert tortoise habitat connectivity that are sufficient for handling runoff while having realistic maintenance requirements.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $418237
• Contract Numbers:

  P733-19-803

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Nevada Department of Transportation

  1263 South Stewart Street
  Carson City, NV  United States  89712

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Nevada DOT Research

  1263 South Stewart St
  Carson City, Nevada  United States  89712
• Project Managers:

  Holcomb, Kristi

  Kumar, Manju

• Performing Organizations:

  Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.

  6995 Sierra Center Parkway
  Reno, Nevada  United States  89511
• Principal Investigators:

  Bjurlin, Curtis

• Start Date: 20200130
• Expected Completion Date: 20220531
• Actual Completion Date: 20220531
• USDOT Program: Transportation, Planning, Research, and Development

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Culverts; Design; Wildlife crossings
• Geographic Terms: Nevada
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Environment; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01851089
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Nevada Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: P733-19-803
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 6 2022 2:39PM