Methods for Monitoring the Movement of Wildlife Through Concrete Barrier Gaps

Installation of concrete median barriers in divided highway settings has reduced the number of traffic fatalities in Missouri. However, their implementation has potentially caused an unintended negative effect on wildlife movement across the transportation system. Although little research exists on the effects of concrete median barriers, it is generally accepted that solid jersey barriers stop small animal passage on divided highways, effectively fragmenting habitat and eliminating connectivity. This fragmentation and behavioral adaptation can lead to reduced biological diversity, changes in animal communities and increase threat of extinctions. To combat these negative effects, the MoDOT Environmental Section has implemented the wildlife median barrier (WMB) innovation. The purpose of this research project is to develop ways to monitor the movement of small animals through the WMBs. This determination will show if the WMBs are or are not working. If successful, this practice can be implemented on other projects.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $245,500
• Contract Numbers:

  TR202312

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Missouri Department of Transportation

  1617 Missouri Boulevard
  P.O. Box 270
  Jefferson City, MO  United States  65102
• Project Managers:

  Hosey, Jenni

• Performing Organizations:

  Dudek

  1217 Distribution Way
  Vista, CA, CA  United States  92081
• Principal Investigators:

  Ortega, Brock

• Start Date: 20221101
• Expected Completion Date: 20241201
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barriers (Roads); Monitoring; Wildlife
• Geographic Terms: Missouri
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01875341
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Missouri Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: TR202312
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 10 2023 11:25AM