Context Sensitive Solutions for Road Infrastructures: Design of a Wildlife Crossing over the S11 Motorway in Poland

Wildlife crossings are present as a part of infrastructure systems since the 1950’s. Their development through years has proven that they are an integral part when considering building highways all over the world. This paper is aimed to bring closer to a broader public the potential of wildlife crossings while also highlighting their importance. What is more an exemplary overpass over the S11 motorway in Poland has been designed following given recommendations and studying errors on already existing ones. Wildlife crossings divide into three main categories: overpasses, underpasses, and crossings over the road. The latter gives the worst results as to mortality rate which indicates the necessity to upgrade crossings over the road to ones minimalizing possibility of accidents. What is more, a social campaign should be started to explain briefly but firmly why do we even need animal crossings as there are many misconceptions regarding this subject. New visions and ideas focus mainly on integrity and aesthetics, as construction is already developed on a high note. Engineers should work closely with ecologists to ensure proper migration patterns and provide a continuation to migration corridors.