CONSTRUCTION OF AMPHIBIAN ROAD MORTALITY MITIGATION MEASURES IN BISTRA STARTS

In January 2023, the construction of permanent measures to reduce amphibian mortality on roads in Ljubljansko barje (project section Bistra) began.

The road section R3-642/1146 Vrhnika-Podpeč from km 4.375 to km 5.700 is identified as one of the most critical amphibian crossing hotspots in Slovenia.

Permanent measures are planned on the road to prevent animals from accessing the road (permanent fences) and to allow them to migrate safely under the road (underpasses and guidance fences). The road will be reconstructed, with the provision of adequate drainage of rainwater and the installation of new traffic signalling.                                      

 In order to avoid disturbance of amphibians during their migration, all construction works will be carried out during the period of least disturbance. Construction will be supervised by a civil engineer responsible for the proper implementation of the projects. The Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora and the Krajinski Park Ljubljansko barje will supervise the proper implementation of the measures. 

Construction works on the Bistra project section started in January 2023 and are expected to last 10 months.

Once the amphibian measures have been completed, the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency, as the responsible public stakeholder, will draw up maintenance plans to ensure that appropriate road maintenance concession contracts are concluded for all sections for the coming years, which will also include the maintenance of the amphibian measures implemented.

Photo: K. Poboljšaj