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A Feasibility Study for a Critter Crossing Under the South Lawrence Trafficway
Viloria, Alton Cully, Ava Krueger, Cole Sloss, Emma Stegman, Gavin Lopez, Jeannine
Viloria, Alton
Cully, Ava
Krueger, Cole
Sloss, Emma
Stegman, Gavin
Lopez, Jeannine
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Abstract
The construction of the South Lawrence Trafficway disturbed and divided the Haskell Wetlands, one of the most diverse habitats in Kansas, necessitating remediation efforts from Louisiana Street to O’Connell Road. This construction disrupted the movement of wetland species including small-mouthed salamanders and otters, leading to significant wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area. Interruptions of this scale have negative effects on populations and damage the integrity of the wetlands, leading to large-scale degradation. Wildlife corridors have been constructed across the United States to facilitate the movement of organisms above and below roads, and the construction of a semi-aquatic underpass below the trafficway has the potential to greatly decrease above ground crossings and collisions. Our feasibility study combines animal migration studies, geographical analysis, and engineering concepts to propose an ideal location for a semi-aquatic underpass along the trafficway. This passageway will be placed in an area that maximizes animal traffic while minimizing disruption to the trafficway in order to make construction more appealing to government stakeholders. The construction of these underpasses would reduce animal mortality rates and restore ecological connections between the divided halves of the Haskell Wetlands. Relevant stakeholders and possible sources of funding are included in the study since community mobilization and grants will be critical to the completion of this project. Thus, this feasibility study aims to provide a foundational plan for the approval and construction of an underpass for Baker University, Haskell Indian Nations University, and other interested groups.
Description
This capstone was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for EVRN 615, taught by Dr. Kelly Kindscher and Dr. Ali Brox.
Date
2025-04-25
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University of Kansas