Invasive Species Impacts on Transportation Infrastructure
Project Information
Project ID:
FHWA-PROJ-18-0010
Project Abstract:
This report highlights the impacts invasive species have on transportation infrastructure and operations. By looking at case studies from around the country, the report synthesizes the challenges and potential remedies to addressing invasive species on America’s highways.
Invasive species present a significant threat not just to ecosystems, but also to our nation’s infrastructure, the economy, and cultural resources. Recently the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) has brought attention to the impact invasive species have on Federal infrastructure. This is an issue that is not well documented or understood. However, roadside managers have long known that invasive species cause significant and costly impacts to roadway infrastructure, operations, and safety. Roadsides consist of disturbed land that is typically dominated by invasive species when controls are not in place. Because these non-native species have no natural predators or biological control, they proliferate quickly and aggressively costing the State Departments of Transportation millions of dollars each year in maintenance and repairs. These invasive species require extensive management in order to maintain the life of roadway infrastructure and to maintain the safety and operations of roadway. The maintenance task of addressing weeds listed as noxious by State or Federal agencies is daunting and costly in itself, but add to it the species that need to be controlled due to their impacts to roadway facilities and operations, and the cost and task is even more overwhelming. This report highlights some of the significant impacts invasive species have on transportation infrastructure and operations.
Project Status:
Completed
Project Funding Amount (Contract Award Amount):
$129,669.42
Start Date:
End Date:
Public Access Plan:
Yes
Grant/Contract ID:
- DTFH6117D00009L
- 693JJ318F000288
FHWA Program Area:
- Planning, Environment, and Realty
Fiscal Year / AMRP Program / AMRP Activity:
- FY 2002-2022 / Planning, Environment, and Realty / Accelerating Project Delivery
FHWA Activity:
- Data and Analysis
Project Outputs:
Report will be available on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) environmental review toolkit website as a PDF after undergoing public review. The report is approximately 45 pages.
Title of web page: FHWA Environmental Toolkit Ecosystems and Vegetation Management
(Note: this document is scheduled to post on the website on November 3, 2021. It will not be visible before this date)
Project Outcomes/Impact:
This report builds our collective understanding about how invasive species pose challenges to transportation infrastructure. Through a collection of case studies, this report exposes some real-world consequences of invasive species.
AMRP = Annual Modal Research Plan
Contact Information
First Name:
Christopher
Last Name:
Hansen
Phone Number:
(202) 366-0524
Email Address:
Team:
Program/Policy Development Team
Office:
Office of Project Development and Environmental Review
Office Code:
HEPE-20
Management Organizations
Sponsor Organization
Organization Role:
Sponsor Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty - Office of Project Development and Environmental Review
Contact Role:
Program Coordinator
Contact:
Managing Organization
Organization Role:
Sponsor Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty - Office of Project Development and Environmental Review
Contact Role:
Program Coordinator
Contact:
Performing Organization
Organization Role:
Sponsor Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty - Office of Project Development and Environmental Review
Contact Role:
Program Coordinator
Contact:
Deliverables
Links to Project Reports: