The construction stage of a road project is when years of planning and design are realised. The construction stage relies on a team of people with a diverse range of skills and expertise to deliver a product according to a set of detailed designs. The construction period is also when any mistakes made during planning and design become evident and when errors are actually made. Mistakes range from incorrectly designed or constructed mitigation measures to missed opportunities for improvement. The ease and cost to fix such mistakes vary significantly, as well as the consequences for biodiversity and reputations if they remain unaddressed.
Pre‐construction planning and dedicated environmental staff are essential to identify opportunities and avoid mistakes.
A pre‐construction review of road and mitigation designs is important to assess constructability and identify opportunities for improvement.
Clearing of vegetation must be carefully planned and strictly monitored.
Early installation and regular maintenance of fauna exclusion fences can help to reduce wildlife mortality during construction.
Early construction of fauna mitigation measures can minimise impacts and allow adaptation of designs if required.
Effectiveness of mitigation can be reduced if the quality of the finishing is inadequate.
Appropriate education targeted at the needs of different construction personnel can help to achieve the best ecological outcomes.
The quality of the completed project will vary depending on the level of environmental monitoring or supervision, the engagement of the contractors and the degree to which the construction team have been educated during the project. Every effort should be made to identify potential mistakes before they happen and to redress any that occur, especially if the potential consequences are high.
Construction of Roads and Wildlife Mitigation Measures
Pitfalls and Opportunities
Handbook of Road Ecology ; 60-64
2015-04-01
5 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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