The RTA funds research to investigate the effectiveness of measures designed to reduce the impact of roads on wildlife and habitats. The outcomes of this research are used during the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the RTA road network.
RTA funded research includes:
- The impact of road construction and operation on koalas.
- The impact of bridge construction and operation on mangrove and saltmarsh habitats.
- A study on the use of odour and light repellents in the management of vehicle and fauna collisions.
The RTA has also funded research of fauna underpasses, to identify those designs that best allow a range of species to cross roads.
Road underpasses:
- Allow a wide range of animals including snakes, quolls, wombats and koalas to pass under highways and between habitat areas.
- Involve extensive planting of appropriate vegetation and erection of refuge structures at underpass openings to give native fauna shelter from predators.
- Are complemented by fauna exclusion fencing which directs animals away from roads and towards underpasses.
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