United States Department of Transportation
i
Predicting Wildlife Use of Existing Highway Bridges and Culverts
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2024-01-31
[PDF-2.14 MB]
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Edition:Final Report (10/1/2022 - 9/30/2023)
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Abstract:Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are paying increasing attention to wildlife connectivity needs across highways, which is reflected in the inclusion of $350 million in new funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. There are over 600,000 bridges along US highways, approximately 75% of which are over waterways and could be useful for wildlife connectivity. The purpose of this project is to develop an accessible model that DOTs can use to predict wildlife use of existing culverts and bridges and to look for cost-effective ways to increase wildlife use of existing structures. The research team will collaborate with the DOTs and/or Departments of Fish and Wildlife/Parks (etc.) of AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, ME, MT, NV, OH, OR, and VA, and the Alberta MOT to develop a predictive model for wildlife use of existing structures, based on evidence of use of these structures. The researchers will develop a statistical model using structure and near-landscape characteristics, modeled traffic noise, and evidence of wildlife use from camera traps and GPS collars. State DOTs could use the model to predict which structures are likely to be useful and which are not. This will assist their planning and programming wildlife connectivity enhancements for areas not served by existing structures.
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