Some south end wildlife will get a reprieve from the risk of becoming roadkill, thanks to the upcoming installation of two underground tunnels designed just for them.
Later this month, city officials are set to shut down a section of Downey Road for the initiative, as well as road paving and the installation of bike lanes, explains a post on the city’s website.
Downey is expected to be closed for about five days between Hanlon Creek Boulevard and Laird Road West beginning Oct. 21.
When the need for repaving that section of road was identified, the decision was made to install the tunnels, explained Leah Lefler, environmental planner for the city, adding the area was previously noted for its wildlife crossings and amphibian fatalities.
“There are a lot of frogs being killed,” she said, adding there’s plenty of snakes there as well. “Downey Road bisects an area of wetland and, as frogs, toads, reptiles need different habitat at different parts of their lifecycle, they need to move to reach their hibernation points or their breeding ponds.
“And so they're forced to move across the road because there isn't an alternative.”
Wanna see an ACTUAL #turtle using our new #wildlife crossings? These make it safe for people and critters to get where they're going! pic.twitter.com/TTycRKhG7v
— City of Guelph (@cityofguelph) June 14, 2018
Animal tunnels already exist below several Guelph roads, including Eastview, Niska, Maltby and Clair roads, as well as Poppy Drive, though sizes and styles vary.
"Other municipalities are looking to Guelph as leaders for this stuff," said Lefler, explaining the city's official plan calls for animal tunnels to be considered for road reconstruction projects in identified wildlife crossing spots, as well as new roads in development areas.
Under the annual road paving program, the area will see the repair of concrete curbs and sidewalks; adjustment of storm grates, manholes and valves; as well as general roadway asphalt repair.
