Safe roads for wildlife

Wildlife corridors have been incorporated into the design of the bypass beneath the new road which will connect habitats on either side of the major artery and allow vulnerable native fauna to travel safely in search of food, mates and breeding sites.  

“Fencing will be installed on the project to guide animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas to underpasses located in areas deemed as important habitat,” a RMS spokesperson said.

“Canopy rope bridges and landscaping will also be used to help animals including sugar gliders and possums to safely cross the new highway.

“Consultant ecologists have been employed to monitor the effectiveness of the new nesting boxes and fauna crossings.”

Every effort has also been made to protect fragile waterways in the area.

“Up to 80 sediment basins have been built throughout the 12.5 kilometre upgrade to prevent runoff entering creeks,” a Roads and Maritime spokesperson said.

“The largest basins hold up to three million litres of runoff. The basins are inspected during and after each rainfall event by environmental professionals. Water is then treated and pumped into local waterways once it meets EPA standards.”

Temporary bridges have also been installed across creeks to reduce the impact of vehicle crossing.

“Temporary creek diversions have been built to maintain water flow and fish passage while bridge work and drainage installation is being carried out,” a RMS spokesperson said.

“This allows clean water to continue to flow naturally and isolates the impact to contained work zones.

“Natural elements such as tree root balls and large rocks complement the native plants used during landscaping to stabilise the creek banks and recreate a natural landform.”