What are the environmental impacts of building a railway bridge over a river?
The answer all depends on the physical aspects of the river (i.e. soft bottom, rocky bottom, hieght of banks from river, width of river etc). There are also hydrological considerations such as water velocity, storm surges, amount of water flowing down river etc. Also what wildlife and vegetation is present on the site. The impacts can be divided into short-term and long-term. Short-term The loss of riparian habitat within the construction area. Increased sediment load which may smoother aquatic organisms downstream. Water quality would be effected by increased sediment load and the release of any substances either bound in soil or introduced by building materials used. Disturbance during construction works (noise, vibration etc) Long-term Shadow, which may prevent re-colonisation (Depends on bridge width and height above river) Habitat fragmentation – The bridge may act as an obstacle for migratory species or species with paths running accross the area (otters etc) Increased erosion on
