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M62 - Your Local History
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News
Mammal Tunnels
Date: 02/06/2011
The Agency’s Environment team has completed a pilot study of mammal tunnels, helping us to better understand how different animals use them on our network.
The Agency’s Environment team has completed a pilot study of mammal tunnels, helping us to better understand how different animals use them on our network.
We regularly include mammal crossings during road constructions, helping wildlife to safely move underneath the carriageway and reducing the safety threat to animals and road users.
The Agency agrees to the construction of the mammal crossings at Public Inquiry and as part of the Post Opening Project Evaluation (POPE) we need to understand if they actually work and if the animals use them, or if the Agency needs to change the designs given within Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB).
The Agency agrees to construct mammal crossings at the public inquiry and Post Opening Project Evaluation (POPE) stages, as well as based on the designs given by the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB).
As part of the study we looked at mammal tunnels on nine road schemes, considering factors such as road types, tunnel length and width, drainage and landscape features.
The study used clay drain seals (flat mats of clay 45cm x 45cm x 0.5cm thick, usually used at pollution control incidents), which are relatively cheap and can be easily checked and fitted.
Our results revealed that, of the 38 tunnels monitored, 89% were used by badgers and 92% were used by a wider range of mammals, including otters, foxes, hedgehogs, rats, water voles, and domestic cats and dogs.
Sheena Crombie, Senior Environmental Advisor, said:
“Overall the small project confirmed that when the tunnels were constructed in accordance with the DMRB they did allow animals to cross the road safely, cutting down on road accidents and allowing wildlife to continue on their way.
“However, not all tunnels worked as well as others. The tunnels should not be allowed to flood must not be flooded, require plenty of cover at the entrances and must be large enough for all animals to get through.”
Sheena added: “If anyone would like any additional information on this project, they can contact me in Piccadilly Gate or on 0161 930 5804.”
