News Protecting transport infrastructure: Roads 23/01/2023
Highway networks in Europe are confronted with various safety and security risks – from wild animals crossing roads to unauthorised intrusions at truck parking areas. Often, these threats can be addressed with effective fencing.
Research from the EU shows that almost 31% of all road accidents in Europe are classified as ‘single vehicle accidents’. A single vehicle accident is a type of road accident in which only one vehicle and no other road user is involved. Run-off-road collisions, collisions with fallen rocks or debris in the road, rollover crashes within the roadway and collisions with animals are included in this category. The current increase of traffic volumes and development of road networks are increasing the risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions.
Saferoad, a CEDR programme, has highlighted the importance of effectiveness versus economy when choosing a mitigation measure for animal/vehicle collisions.
Warning signs, reflectors, whistles etc.
Commonly employed by road agencies despite there being little evidence concerning their effectiveness.
Warning signs are perhaps the most common mitigation measure implemented across the world to reduce large animal collisions with vehicles, yet many transportation and natural resource agencies report they do not know whether this measure is effective.
Wildlife fencing, crossing structures, detection systems etc.
Often not implemented due to high costs and low public support.
Where costs rather than effectiveness drives decision-making, mitigation effectiveness may be compromised.
Motorway fencing is an effective mitigation measure for preventing wildlife from crossing motorways, thereby protecting both road users and animals.
To be a viable solution, motorway fencing needs to provide effective protection in preventing animals from crossing roads, while also offering a cost-effective solution as these fences are typically used for long distances.
Betafence's range of stock fences is an ideal solution for rural settings where the risk of wildlife crossings is high.
URSUS® AS LIGHT | URSUS® AS MEDIUM | URSUS® AS SUPER
Knot fencing rolls specifically developed for forestry and highways. The horizontal line wires are held together with pieces of cross wire, and these pieces of cross wire are joint together in a hinge joint on the line wire.
URSUS® HEAVY | URSUS® HEAVY AS
Ring lock fencing rolls that is resistant to distortions. The horizontal line and vertical cross wires are kept together with a piece of wire, which forms a ring lock around them. The unique ring lock fixes the vertical and horizontal wires with a separate piece of wire providing a very solid and rigid fence.
REMPART®
Welded long distance fence with progressive mesh. The wires are welded at each intersection.
Ursus AS (Advanced Steel) uses very high tensile steel wires which provide an increased strength. Because of the higher rigidity (compared to standard Ursus), fewer posts are required during the installation – ultimately resulting in a more cost-effective installation. This is especially important for long distances such as motorway fencing projects.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Products Used: Ursus® AS
To prevent wildlife crossings, Ursus AS fencing is used along the highways connecting Queluz, Lourel, Ranholas, Linhó and Alcabideche.
