Chapter 6: Green bridges

This chapter outlines the role of green bridges in connecting habitats, providing safe crossings for wildlife and a number of benefits for human users. It provides guidance on the choice of crossing structures and their location. It is important to plan for these at the earliest stages of design. Several types of crossing may be appropriate on road or rail schemes, depending on uses and topography. Green bridges with little or no motorised traffic are preferable for wildlife. Design elements discussed here include bridge structure and relative cost, design load, earthworks, soil requirements, integration of drainage, designing habitats on the bridge and its approaches, the benefits and constraints of fencing and maintenance issues. The chapter is illustrated with case studies and figures.