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
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Contract Numbers:
P733-19-803
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Sponsor Organizations:
Nevada Department of Transportation
1263 South Stewart Street
Carson City, NV United States 89712Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
1263 South Stewart St
Carson City, Nevada United States 89712 -
Project Managers:
Holcomb, Kristi
Kumar, Manju
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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