Wildlife Hazard Analysis & Mitigation
Lochner’s commitment to infrastructure services extends beyond the pavement with several projects focusing on roadway ecology. With the emphasis of improving driver safety while defragmenting wildlife habitat, Lochner’s design team incorporates input from their roadway ecologists, which fosters holistic designs that incorporate passages for wildlife movement.
Kentucky Wildlife Crossing Study
SERVICES
- Wildlife Movement and Corridor Assessments
- Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Data Analysis and Risk Modeling
- Design and Implementation of Wildlife Crossings
- Barrier and Fencing Solutions for Wildlife Deterrence
- Stream and Wetland Connectivity Planning
- Species-Specific Habitat and Movement Studies
- Light and Noise Pollution Impact Assessments
- Climate Resilience and Adaptation for Wildlife Infrastructure
- Erosion Control and Habitat Restoration Strategies
- Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Permitting
- Stakeholder Coordination and Public Engagement
- Post-Construction Wildlife Monitoring and Effectiveness Evaluations
Protecting Bats
Lochner’s environmental team identified a small bridge in Clinton County, KY, as a maternity roost for 400+ endangered gray bats. To minimize impact, the new design will triple usable bat habitat while ensuring public safety—the first such project in Kentucky. Construction is set for early 2025, with post-construction monitoring to track the bats’ return.
Relocating Tortoises
Lochner assisted in relocating gopher tortoises, a threatened species in Florida protected by state law. As a keystone species, their burrows provide shelter for 360 other wildlife species, playing a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem.
Aviation Bird Deterrent
Lochner identified a potential safety risk with stormwater ponds near a transit center, as they could attract waterfowl near the adjacent airport. After consulting with the FAA and the Airport, Lochner collaborated with stakeholders to design a bird deterrent system, ensuring safety while keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
Funding & Grant Opportunities
Contact our grant writing experts
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has allocated significant funding for wildlife hazard mitigation, including:
- $125 million in grants (2024) for 16 state projects
- $110 million in grants (2023) for 19 state projects
- State-specific funding, such as Kentucky’s $1.2M pilot study grant to develop WVC reduction strategies.
Lochner’s grant-writing experts assist clients in securing funding for mitigation projects, ensuring cost-effective and impactful solutions.
Featured Projects
Issaquah‐Fall City Road Widening, 242nd Avenue to Klahanie Drive
West of 242nd Avenue, Issaquah‐Fall City Road was a four‐lane facility with two travel lanes in each direction and a […]
I-4/SR 33 Interchange Reconstruction and SR 33 Widening
The area surrounding SR 33 in Lakeland is undergoing substantial development, and the Florida Department of Transportation intends to reconstruct […]
Harbour Reach Drive Planning, Design, & CEI
State Route (SR) 525 is currently the only north‐south connector from SR 526 to the southern limits of Mukilteo and […]