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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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      <title>Assessing the connectivity value of roadway structures for terrestrial mammals across the Northern Appalachian forest of Vermont</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2604537</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Landscape connectivity is often negatively impacted by road networks that fragment habitat and result in genetic and demographic consequences for wildlife. Existing roadway structures like bridges, culverts, and underpasses can facilitate connectivity and reduce the barrier effect of roads by providing less risky areas for animals to cross. Estimating areas of high wildlife movement near roads is beneficial for prioritizing transportation investments for wildlife. We used an omnidirectional circuit theory approach to model the movements of eight terrestrial mammal species across the state of Vermont, a forested region central to the globally important Northern Appalachian ecoregion. We combined expert-derived landscape resistance surfaces with wildlife occurrence data to develop species-specific connectivity models at statewide (23,873 km², 30 m resolution) and roadway structure (100 m radius around 5,912 structures, 0.5 m resolution) scales. The flow of animal movement across the landscape, depicted as electrical current density, was highest for forest-obligate species along the forested, mid-elevation foothills of the Green Mountains in central Vermont and lowest in the agricultural Champlain Valley; however, for more urban- and agriculture-adapted species, flow was highest in developed areas and lower elevation valleys. Average current density was highest for black bear (𝘜𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴), and lowest for striped skunk (𝘔𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴) at the statewide scale and highest for raccoon (𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳) and lowest for moose (𝘈𝘭𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘦𝘴) at the finer structure scale. Results at both scales revealed different patterns of expected animal movement that reflect the relative extent of connectivity. We then scored connectivity for each structure across all species by combining both scales using four different methods to capture a range of management interests. Rankings varied greatly depending on the method used, highlighting the need to clearly articulate objectives when scoring structures or other features in a landscape. Resistance, occupancy, and current maps also indicated the broad importance of intact forest for connectivity and may be particularly important for identifying priority regions for protection under Vermont's Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act that mandates protecting 50% of the state by 2050.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:07:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2604537</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Enhancing migratory potential in fish passes: The role of pier shape in minimizing debris accumulation</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2477814</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Biodiversity preservation is a primary challenge of the 21st century, focusing on restoring unobstructed river flows and mitigating the effects of barriers, supported by European biodiversity strategies up to 2030. Maintaining ecological continuity, such as unblocking fishways clogged by floating debris disrupting natural fish migration paths, remains a challenge despite conventional protective methods. This study, taking a vertical slot fish pass in Wrocław on the Odra River as a case study and based on research on bridge piers, suggests modifying pier shapes from rectangular to rounded in order to reduce debris accumulation. Field studies, utilizing an OTT MF Pro flow meter, were conducted to validate the numerical model. The measured flow rate in the field was 3.15 [m³·s−1], while the numerical modeling yielded a flow of 3.19 [m³·s−1]. Focusing on optimizing the shape of cross-wall piers to enhance fish migration conditions, the study examined six different pier configurations, analyzing flow speed in the main slot, crucial for migration. Using 2D hydraulic modeling with Iber, it assessed the migratory potential of different pier designs by analyzing hydraulic conditions and comparing them with the swimming capabilities of fish species native to the Odra River. Results indicate that rounding the pier edges positively affects flow speeds in the main slot, enhancing fish migration possibilities, contributing to fish pass functionality improvement and supporting broader biodiversity and ecosystem health goals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:55:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2477814</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Roadway Crossings for Sensitive Amphibians and Reptiles: Phase II</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2487568</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Many migratory amphibians make annual population-level migrations among breeding wetlands and over-wintering and/or summer foraging upland terrestrial habitats. To reduce the negative impacts from road mortality on these vulnerable populations, it has been standard practice to build safe crossings in the form of small passages connected by barrier fencing as mitigation. The permeability of crossing structures is dependent upon the proportion of migrating animals that even reach the passages. In Phase 1 of this project, California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense; CTS) were shown to move an average of approximately 40m along a barrier fence before giving up (90% tolerance interval of 12.5m). CTS that came in contact with fencing and initially moved the ‘wrong’ way (away from a passage) had a very low probability of reaching the passage system. In another study, turnarounds, often placed at fence ends, were shown to be effective in changing the trajectory of amphibians and reptiles. In this Phase 2 study, the authors tested if multiple turnarounds along the length of barrier fencing would increase the probability reaching the passage system. At the study site in Stanford, CA, the authors installed turnarounds every 25m, with an additional turnaround 12.5m from the passage system. Individual CTS movements were monitored using active-trigger cameras, documenting speed, direction, use of turnarounds, and success at reaching the passage system for 3 years prior and 2 years after the multiple turnarounds were in place. The results showed that an average of 36% of CTS initially turned in the ‘wrong’ direction. Prior to installation of multiple turnarounds, 5% of CTS that initially turned in the ‘wrong’ direction made it to the passage system. After installation of the turnarounds, 96% of CTS that initially turned in the ‘wrong’ direction interacted with one or more turnarounds and their probability of reaching the passage system increased to that of CTS that initially moved in the ‘right’ direction (mean 66% success rate); with probabilities increasing in relation to initial distance from passage. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study of multiple turnarounds and their impacts on passage system permeability. In addition to increasing the number and quality of passages along migratory pathways, the authors believe this is promising and cost-effective method to increase overall permeability of passage-barrier systems to migrating amphibians.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:43:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2487568</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Near-Full-Scale Hydraulic Modeling of Fish-Friendly Culvert with Full-Height Sidewall Baffles</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2359224</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The adoption of baffles is relatively common in the construction of culverts, to assist with the upstream passage of migrating fish species. However, there still is a lack of systematic studies of the complicated hydraulic conditions induced by the baffles to optimize the designs. Herein, near-full-scale physical modeling was performed, focusing on the oscillation and instability of open-channel flow in a fish-friendly culvert equipped with full-height sidewall baffles. High-resolution measurements of the instantaneous flow velocity were obtained using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. The physical results were marked by the existence of some low-frequency oscillations. A triple decomposition technique was applied to the free-surface and velocity time series. The low-pass components confirmed a unique flow structure, consisting of a high-velocity zone in the main channel and a low-velocity flow reversal within the lateral cavities. The band-pass components corresponded to the low-frequency flow oscillations, highlighting the complicated transverse interactions between the lateral cavity and the main channel. The high-pass velocity components were related to the true turbulence characteristics. This study provides a quantitative data set in support of the sustainable design of culverts to assist with upstream fish migration in artificial and natural fast waterways.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:08:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2359224</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Use of a behavioural response method to assess the risk of collision between migrating humpback whales and vessels</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2326288</link>
      <description><![CDATA[With the substantial increase in many large whale populations, paired with the rise in global shipping and recreational vessel activity, it is not surprising that negative interactions between whales and vessels are increasing. Here, the collision risk between migrating groups of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and vessels was assessed by determining if changes in their movement trajectories in response to an oncoming vessel translated to vessel avoidance. It was assumed groups would implement an escape response strategy, using cues such as the vessel speed, trajectory, proximity, and received level of noise to inform their response magnitude. However, many groups were unresponsive to an approaching vessel such that the vessel had to take evasive action. This study shows that humpback whales are not likely to take sufficient avoidance action when there is a potential for a vessel and whale to collide. Therefore, when developing a risk management strategy, mitigation measures that reduce the encounter rate between whales and vessels are likely to be the most effective.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:22:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2326288</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fish Passage in Urban Streams Poster: Using River Continuum Concepts in Site Selection</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2270615</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This paper presents the concepts and applications used to locate the fish passage improvements along Northwest Branch in Prince George's County, Maryland. These structures are required as part of the environmental mitigation package for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. The authors proposed the installation of riffle grade control structures (RGCs) to improve fish passage at seven blockages along Northwest Branch. Since RGCs are not common fish passage structures, the design methodologies have not been widely documented and standardized. The intent of this paper is to demonstrate how these proposed RGCs were located in the existing channel system based on field indicators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:03:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2270615</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Should Fish Passage through Culverts Be a Concern for Midwest Engineers and Planners? Determining the Percentage of Culverts That Act As Barriers to Fish Passage in NE Ohio</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2280276</link>
      <description><![CDATA[While most fish passage analysis, retrofit, and design have been focused on imperiled anadromous species in states along the coasts, in Midwest watersheds such analysis has not historically been viewed as a primary concern to regional water policy. This is due, in part, to the assumption that there is not a migration (or connectivity) problem since there are not any large migratory keystone species. However, it's anticipated that a significant fraction of Midwest culverts cause impacts to fish movement, and the goal of this research is to determine the percentage of culverts that are barriers to fish passage in this region. To assess the passage rates of native fish species in existing Midwest culverts, the research team used regional databases, GIS tools, and two fish passage analysis programs to determine the percentage of culverts in Northeast Ohio that are barriers to fish migration. Ohio Department of Transportation supplied a database of existing highway culverts containing 5,837 culverts; it was determined that 169 culverts had enough information (material, slope, diameter, shape), sufficient diameter (>24 inches), a discernible channel geometry, and circular shape (simplified analysis for this first assessment) to predict fish passage success rates. At present results of 55 culverts have been analyzed using FishXing and one culvert using an add-on HEC-RAS code that predicts fish passage. Results from the analysis using FishXing indicate that none of the selected fish species was able to pass upstream through any of the culverts during the 2 year flood, two of the fish (Greenside darter and Golden shiner) were able to pass on average 3% of the culverts during highest average monthly flow, two of fish species (Greenside darter and Blacknose dace) were able to pass on average 25% of the culverts during the minimum average monthly flow, and on average 13% of the culverts during the typical low flow day (25% low flow). Results obtained with the HEC-RAS tool showed only moderately better passage conditions, with the main cause for the barrier being excessive velocity, in spite of the streams' moderate hydraulic gradients. While additional analysis of the remaining culverts is necessary, both the method outlined and the results are expected to be useful in aiding fish passage analysis and design.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Dec 2023 15:03:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2280276</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Canada geese flight patterns in the vicinity of an aerodrome: Insights and management implications</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2140121</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Wildlife on and in the surroundings of an aerodrome pose a potential hazard for flight safety. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) represent a substantial risk for aircraft, due to their size and flocking behaviour. A group of 51 Canada geese were caught and neck-collared at two moult sites in the vicinity of Paris-Le Bourget airport. Six individuals were also GPS tagged. Bird movements were monitored between July 2019 and June 2021.    The flight patterns and phenology, as well as the dispersion pattern of these birds, were investigated. Flights represented only about 1 per cent of geese daily activity. Geese spent most of their time on the ground in a 10km radius area around the capture sites. More than half of the flights outside the capture sites took place at the end of the day, between 6pm and 8pm.    These flights were performed on average at less than 50m above the ground, and only less than 1 per cent of them crossed Paris-Le Bourget airport airspace.    The finding of this study can be of interest to airport operators and regulators for the development of a management plan to help to reduce birdstrike risk to aircraft.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Mar 2023 09:13:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2140121</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Monarch Conservation Strategies for Texas Roadways</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2135533</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) supported federal listing of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in December 2020, but listing is currently delayed due to other higher priority listing actions. Texas roadways play a critical role in the successful spring and fall migrations of the eastern monarch butterfly population. TxDOT project 0-7022, “Evaluating Fall Monarch Butterfly Roadkill Hotspot Incidence and Potential Roadkill Mitigation” has revealed perennial hotspots for fall monarch butterfly roadkill in Texas. Yearly roadkill can comprise up to 2.5% of the Mexican overwintering population. Spring and fall roadside milkweed and monarch-preferred nectar plant hotspots have also been identified which provide critical resources to monarchs in terms of both milkweed larval food and flower nectar for adults.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:08:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2135533</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Distribution, Roosting and Foraging Ecology, and Migration Pathways for Gray Bats in Western North Carolina</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1894356</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The authors conducted a two-year study to assess the distribution, roosting and foraging ecology, migratory movements, and winter habits of gray bats (Myotis grisescens) in the French Broad River Basin of western North Carolina. By August 2020, the authors knew of 37 roosts in the basin. Gray bats actively forage across the basin, but activity is highest north and west of Asheville. Gray bats are active in the basin from March to November each year. The authors recommend maintaining a current list of bridges, culverts, and buildings used by gray bat roosts in this region to inform project planning and maintenance. Both culverts and bridges are suitable structures for use during at least part of the year. Gray bats are present along streams in the French Broad River Basin and other parts of western NC; more distribution surveys are needed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:37:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1894356</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Daily and Seasonal Movement of Brown Pelicans in the Bahía Grande Wetland Complex —Supplementary Material to R1</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1889501</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This supplementary report includes three chapters that outline data important to the interpretation of the main project report, but that are too large to include in that report as appendices. The three chapters are: (1) a complete history of Brown Pelican Mortality on SH 48 with graphical summaries of associated weather conditions; (2) a graphical summary of Brown Pelican global positioning system (GPS) data collected by Lamb (2016) in a study titled “Ecological Drivers of Brown Pelican Movement Patterns and Reproductive Success in the Gulf of Mexico”; and (3) a full graphical history of all GPS movements collected from Brown Pelicans tracked during this project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:31:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1889501</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Daily and Seasonal Movements of Brown Pelicans in the Bahía Grande Wetland Complex: Technical Report</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1889500</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project implemented a series of studies that investigated the daily and seasonal movements of brown pelicans in the Bahía Grande Wetland Complex (BGWC) of South Texas. The project was motivated by brown pelican mortality that occurs along a stretch of highway (State Highway 48 [SH 48]) that links Brownsville, Texas, to Port Isabel, Texas. Brown pelican mortality is a conservation concern but is also a risk to the traveling public. The research undertaken in this project tracked individual pelicans using global positioning system devices. Researchers also undertook a banding and resight study, and other field methods employed to monitor pelicans in the region. These field methods were used to develop mathematical and statistical models that provide a holistic view of the movement ecology of pelicans in the region, and help explain the frequency of SH 48 crossings, and SH 48 pelican mortality events. The study illuminates key roost and loafing sites used by pelicans in the BGWC as well as major flight corridors that connect them. These sites include pelican habitat within the BGWC that largely explain why pelicans regularly attempt crossings across SH 48. The analysis of field data collected during this project also identified the important seasonal migration trends of pelicans in the region and the temporal variation in the size of the BGWC population. Statistical models of pelican mortality show that, in addition to the daily and seasonal movements of pelicans in the region, mortality is associated with cold fronts that result in strong northwestern winds that create unfavorable flight conditions for pelicans crossing SH 48.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:31:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1889500</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Open-bottom Culverts in Nebraska: A Literature Review</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1852449</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are conducting research that will provide an evaluation tool allowing the NDOR to evaluate conditions to determine the feasibility of bottomless culverts at proposed stream crossing sites. One goal of this literature review is to summarize past work that is relevant to the analysis of bottomless culverts. This literature review focuses on the following: (a) stream classification and channel stability; (b) scour problems and countermeasures; (c) culvert design and stability; and (d) aquatic organism passage (with a focus on fish migration).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2021 17:19:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1852449</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Highway Hydraulic Engineering State of Practice</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1717027</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This synthesis documents significant changes in highway hydraulic engineering practices implemented by state departments of transportation (DOTs) over the past decade. The synthesis focuses on eight subtopics of highway hydraulic engineering: roadway drainage; culvert aquatic organism passage; bridge scour computations and countermeasures; advanced hydraulic modeling; regulatory requirements; floodplain impacts and mitigation; coastal hydraulics; and alternative project delivery methods.  Information for this study was gathered through literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with four selected agencies for case examples.  Findings indicate that 34% of 38 responding states indicated that their hydraulic policy or guidance changed within the past 10 years with respect to maximum allowable spread in travel lanes and/or the design event frequency for permanent/final designs.  Findings also indicate that 55% reported changes in culvert replacement and rehabilitation practices for Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage.  A little over half made a change to their scour calculation method, scour countermeasure selection, or design method.  Almost all of 26 responding states reported some use of advanced hydraulic modeling—either unsteady or 2D/3D flow modeling—for projects.  Of the 38 states that responded, 55% indicated they have programmatic agreements for the FHWA National Environmental Policy Act project development process; 11% have Programmatic Agreements for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA); 21% have Programmatic Agreements for local floodplain requirements; 24% have Programmatic Agreements for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; and changes to these regulatory requirements were made in the last decade by 21%, 29%, 32%, and 47% of state DOTs, respectively.  Of the 24 states that responded to changing policy or guidance for floodplain impacts, 75% indicated no change or that they are following previous policy or guidance.  Of the 21 states that responded to changing policy or guidance within the last 10 years to include request for proposal (RFP) language for hydraulic aspects of alternatively delivered projects, 57% replied yes to including such language.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:37:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1717027</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Do railway lines affect the distribution of woodland birds during autumn?</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1700415</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Research results on the impact of railway noise on birds show a variety of bird responses. These behaviours are often different from those exhibited by birds occupying habitats along tarred roads. Knowledge of this subject is still incomplete. The authors attempted to define the influence of a heavily transited railway line on bird communities at stopover sites near the tracks during the autumn migration period. Birds were counted using the point method at 45 observation points located at three distances (30 m, 280 m, 530 m) from the tracks. At each point the authors determined the habitat parameters and the intensity of noise. A total of 614 individuals from 29 species were recorded on the study plot. The results of the authors' observations indicate that the railway line does not adversely affect woodland birds during the autumn migration. The results showed that the abundance of birds and the species richness were actually the highest near the railway line. Species foraging on invertebrates preferred the neighbourhood of the tracks. The number of the most common species did not differ widely in relation to distance from the tracks. These data may be helpful in planning and managing the environment in the context of bird conservation, protection from railway noise and collisions with trains.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:16:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1700415</guid>
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