OTTERS in West Devon will be able to cross trunk roads in safety — thanks to a pioneering new road-crossing ramp.
The project to introduce roadside structures built by the Highways Agency is one of the first in the country. Fencing, bridge ledges and ramps are being built in a bid to prevent otters being run over or being drowned in floods.
Working in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Devon and Cornwall's Wildlife Trust's Pennon Water for Wildlife Project, the Highways Agency is implementing safe passage crossings at 14 locations between the A38 and A30.
The works designed by Mott Macdonald, as agents for the Highways Agency and built by Amey consist of hundreds of metres of fencing to prevent animals from getting onto the road. In addition ramps making it easier for otters to bypass weirs have also been built. In certain places, ledges have been constructed through bridges to enable otters to pass through safely in times of flood.
The building of these safety features began in January and is expected to continue until May and cost £10,000. With Devon and Cornwall having one of the largest otter populations in England, it is hoped these safety works will save the lives of many otters.