Road Ecology Center

Linear transportation features have been shown to have a barrier effect on certain wildlife species. In the case of highway median barriers or dividers designed for safety, little research has been done to gain an understanding of how these continuous linear structures affect the movement and mortality of different taxa. This research effort was comprised of a state of the practice survey, a literature review and gap analysis, and a qualitative assessment of potential wildlife impacts based on median barrier type and taxa size. Results from this cumulative effort have produced a foundation from which to develop rigorous field studies which should ultimately yield the basis for agency standards and guidelines. This study represents the first attempt ever in North America to synthesize information about highway median barriers and wildlife.