New Jersey is taking a significant step to protect its wildlife by constructing tunnels under roadways, allowing animals to cross safely without risking their lives.
These wildlife tunnels, part of the NJDEP’s Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) program, aim to reduce roadkill and ensure habitat connectivity.
Why Wildlife Tunnels?
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has identified roadways as a significant threat to amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
According to NJ Fish and Wildlife biologist Gretchen Fowles, these tunnels and accompanying fencing guide animals off the roads and toward safe crossings.
Some wildlife passages are tunnels beneath roads, while others, like overpasses built over Route 78 in the 1980s, provide above-ground solutions.
Successful Implementation
One example of this initiative’s success is in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Monmouth County. Two tunnels installed there have significantly reduced roadkill incidents, preventing reptiles and small mammals from being hit by vehicles.
Additionally, the NJDEP collaborates with the South Jersey Transportation Authority to install fencing along the Atlantic City Expressway, guiding animals to safer crossing points.
Innovative Designs
The program also adapts existing structures. For example, dry passage shelves were built under the Atlantic City Expressway to allow animals to cross without wading through water.
Wildlife officials report that properly designed crossings can reduce roadkill in those areas by over 90%.
Looking Ahead
The NJDEP plans to expand the CHANJ program, identifying hotspots for new tunnels. Residents can contribute by documenting wildlife sightings or roadkill incidents through the CHANJ website, helping officials prioritize critical locations for future crossings.
These efforts are a testament to New Jersey’s commitment to protecting its wildlife and preserving its natural ecosystems.
Learn more about the CHANJ program and view an interactive map of wildlife tunnels at CHANJ website.
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