The Multiple Benefits of Improved Stream Crossings: Lessons from the Northeast and Future Opportunities

While road-stream crossings are essential to our transportation networks, poorly designed and undersized crossings have negative impacts on stream ecology, water quality and fish populations. Moreover, they can exacerbate damages from flood events, causing significant economic and safety impacts in communities. In contrast, crossing designs that create a dynamic channel through the structure, with characteristics similar to the natural channel, allow for unimpeded movement of aquatic organisms, debris, and water, including flood waters.

In this session, we will present case studies underscoring the numerous benefits of improved crossing designs in the context of a changing climate, as well as research results on economic valuation of these benefits. The case studies indicate that in strategic locations, the increased initial investment in improved stream crossings yields substantial social and ecological benefits, while saving communities money over the long term. We will highlight innovative partnerships in the Northeast – among transportation departments, conservation groups, academia, and environmental agencies – working to develop tools for crossing assessment and prioritization, identify vulnerable sites, build capacity, and use non-traditional funding sources to improve stream crossings. Finally, we will present state and federal policy and planning opportunities for boosting the resilience of aquatic ecosystems and transportation networks.

See more of: Working Across Diverse User Groups to Address Aquatic Fragmentation in a World of Limiting Resources and Increased Demands. Can We Prevent New Barriers to Avoid Restoration by Working With Diverse Stakeholders? Part 2
See more of: Symposium Entries

<< Previous Abstract | Next Abstract