The VicRoads Calder Corridor Project is responsible for the upgrade of the Calder Highway between Melbourne and Bendigo. A number of concerns arose from the Environment Effects Statement in relation to the movement of wildlife in the vicinity of the freeway environment and the wider impacts severance may have on identified vulnerable species. In collaboration with wildlife experts VicRoads has investigated and developed a number of innovative solutions and designs for the provision of crossings for targeted species along the project corridor. The crossings are designed to enable the safe movement of these species between home ranges, for foraging and enable the continuation and diversity of the gene pool. They are also designed to provide a safer environment for road users by excluding wildlife from the freeway environment. There will be four types of crossings constructed including bridge underpasses, culvert underpasses, at grade or over freeway crossings, and over freeway cable crossings. A number of different fencing solutions will be used in conjunction with the various crossing types to enhance the effectiveness of the crossings to be constructed. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. 0612AR242E.
Abstract