3.4.8 Wildlife Crossings

Wildlife communities are typically identified within corridors of roadway development as part of TxDOT’s environmental clearance process for highway projects. Coordination with Division and District environmental specialists, along with familiarization with the related TxDOT Environmental Compliance Toolkit requirements, will guide the landscape architect in designing and planting areas identified for wildlife crossings. The proposed design should reduce wildlife-vehicle conflict, while encouraging wildlife to use designated corridors. Refer to the RDM
, Chapter 24, Section 6 for additional information on Wildlife Crossings.

3.4.8.1 Plant Materials Selection

Use native plants to induce animals to utilize crossing structures; and

Avoid use of plant species identified as ‘highly palatable’ plants that may attract animals to cross the road for food and thus affect traffic safety.

3.4.8.2 Fencing

Fencing is a critical component of wildlife crossings. Refer to the FHWA

Wildlife Crossing Structure Handbook Design and Evaluation in North America

for additional information on designing fencing for wildlife crossings.

3.4 Plant Selection