|
The ever-increasing traffic on Polish roads, coupled with the constant
expansion and growth of the road network across Poland, is contributing
substantially to habitat fragmentation, among other impacts. The expansion of
the road network, with new roads being built and existing ones being
improved, separates the existing ecosystems and disconnects wildlife and
migration corridors. The extensive use of such solutions as embankments,
earthworks, safety fences, noise barriers and traffic barriers adds to this habitat
fragmentation and the barrier effect. Animals crossing roads create a traffic
hazard and often cause vehicle collisions. In most cases, animals are killed by
vehicles, and sometimes such collisions involve human fatalities. As far as
limited-access roads (expressways) and controlled-access highways
(motorways) are concerned, the only effective way to prevent traffic users from
hitting animals is to fence off roads entirely and build wildlife crossings.
|
