AN ANALYSIS OF DESIGN FEATURES IN MITIGATING HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON STREAMS. FINAL REPORT

The objectives of this research were: to determine the costs and effectiveness of mitigation features and overall mitigation design; to define the post-construction impacts of stream relocation and long culvert construction on the aquatic communities of Bull Creek and Little Bull Creek; to compare the costs of the projects with and without stream mitigation; and to present recommendations for future stream mitigation. Construction of the Allegheny Valley Expressway near Tarentum, PA, required relocation of 5150 feet of Bull Creek, 1815 of Little Bull Creek, and construction of long arch culverts, 885 feet and 449 feet, respectively, on Bull Creek and Little Bull Creek. Relocated Bull Creek was required to pass the 50-year frequency flood as well as provide a recreational fishery resource. This study was designed to complement previous research which together demonstrated the effects of the entire construction project from 1979 through 1985 on the extent and rate of recovery of the pre-construction aquatic communities, and assess the effectiveness of stream mitigation in promoting the recovery of aquatic communities. Mitigation was effective in accelerating stream recovery. Both post-construction habitat and aquatic populations were similar to or better than pre-construction conditions. The overall cost of the project with mitigation was no greater than the original design without mitigation. Mitigation devices created the range of physical condition required for good fish habitat. The two long culverts do not inhibit fish movement in the streams. Streambank plantings created habitat for reptiles, birds, and mammals. Recreational use of the mitigated stream was extensive.

• Corporate Authors:

  Skeely and Loy

  2601 North Front Street
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17110

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Special Studies, P.O. Box 2926
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Bly, R
  • Ettinger, W
  • Nieman, D
  • Piper, D
  • Wakelee, J
• Publication Date: 1986-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 221 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aquatic life; Benefit cost analysis; Culverts; Environmental impacts; Highway design; Streams; Traffic mitigation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mitigation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00457048
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-85-017, 84-31
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:38PM