Wildlife & Traffic
10 Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure
Contents
Maintenance of screens installed to reduce disturbances
INSPECTION TASKS
To check
- Components are not broken and have no gaps (different requirements for wood, concrete or polymer screens).
- Screens are correctly fixed to perimeter fences,maintaining continuity.
- For transparent screens, check appropriate marks have been installed to avoid bird collisions and that mortality is not apparent.
- If screens are designed to guide bat flight across the linear infrastructure, inspection should be provided according to the specific standards.
SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE TASKS
To do
- Repair or replace any element that is broken or damaged.
- Install anti-vandal reinforcements to prevent wooden planks from being stolen.
- Consider replacing an existing screen when its design or materials are inappropriate, and maintenance costs rise.
- Reinforce the anchorage to the ground or to the perimeter fences when required.
- If any bird collisions are detected, mark transparent screens with coloured stripes according to the specific standards to ensure visibility to birds.
- Restrict access and/or educate and inform local stakeholders in case of repeated damage caused by people.
SCHEDULE
- Minimum: once a year, just before seasonal migrations or periods when target species movements are increased.
- More frequent inspection may be required in sections that are repeatedly damaged.
- Additional inspections should be planned following floods, strong winds, snow or other adverse weather events.
Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure