The new A38 Dobwalls bypass in Cornwall is being used by the Highways Agency to pilot the use of special structures to help bats find their way across the new roads.

Installed as part of a series of measures to reduce the environmental impact of the new road, the ‘bat bridges’ consist of a metal structure with wires and mesh stretched in a V-shape.

The structures have replaced the hedges that bats would follow using echo location to find their way to and from their roosts. The bats can now follow the structures at a safe height above the traffic.

Highways Agency environmental adviser, David Hinde, said: ‘We want to reduce the impact of roads on the environment, so it is important to continually search for better ways to reduce the impact of road schemes on protected species, such as bats.

‘The trial will help us refine our future plans for dealing with changes to habitats on other schemes.’ In addition, the side slopes of the new road have deliberately not been covered with topsoil and grass to give local wild plants and flowers a better chance to colonise the area.

‘It also has the added advantage of reducing future maintenance needs and minimises the use of valuable topsoil,’ Hinde added. The £42M dual carriageway bypass is due to finish in the autumn.

Register now for full access

---

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Login

Username:

Password:

Keep me logged in:

Forgotten your password