The Ministry of Development, Territorial Articulation, and Housing has tendered for nearly half a million euros the road safety improvement works to reduce the risk of Iberian lynx road collisions in various sections of the A-431, A-432, and A-455 roads in the provinces of Córdoba and Seville. The focus will mainly be on the installation of over 15 kilometers of fencing and alternative crossings, as well as signage to warn of the presence of these felines. The Andalusian Government is implementing this contract through the European project LIFE LYNXCONNECT, which aims to ensure genetic connectivity between the Iberian lynx populations on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Minister of Development, Territorial Articulation, and Housing, Rocío Díaz, has defended the new actions taken to «protect this endangered species in various sections of Andalusian regional roads», where an increasing presence of these animals has been detected and where the aim is to reduce the risk of collisions. These roads are the A-431 between Almodóvar del Río and Posadas in the province of Córdoba, and the A-432 between Cantillana and El Pedroso, and the A-455 between Lora del Río and Constantina, both in Seville.
The tendered contract has a six-month execution period and includes a series of measures aimed at preventing wildlife access to the road, facilitating their safe crossing, and alerting drivers to the possible presence of these animals. In total, more than 15 kilometers of fencing are planned, along with the installation of escape ramps, gates, information panels, drainage passage (ODT) improvements, and the deployment of luminous alert systems and specific vertical signage.
A virtual fence will also be installed on these roads. These elements consist of a series of light and sound emitters that, combined with the road posts, are activated automatically when an animal is near the road at the same time as a car is approaching at high speed. The purpose of the device is, on the one hand, to deter the animal from crossing the road, and on the other hand, to warn the driver of the risk of collision. For its operation, the fences use solar energy, making them an example of sustainable use of natural resources.
In the case of the A-431 section in Córdoba, 9,700 linear meters of physical fencing and 4,700 meters of virtual fencing will be installed. Additionally, six warning signs, two gates, and two cleanings in drainage passages will be carried out to facilitate the safe movement of wildlife.
On the other hand, the A-455 between Lora del Río and Constantina will have 5,600 meters of fencing, four escape ramps, four gates, and four information panels. Finally, on the A-432 from Cantillana to El Pedroso, the project includes a 4,000-meter virtual fence, the cleaning of five drainage passages, and the installation of four vertical signs along a 5,000-meter section.
The base tender budget amounts to 431,234 euros and is financed by the LIFE program. Companies interested in carrying out these works have until July 4 to submit their bids for this contract.
This project reflects the commitment of the Andalusian Government to the conservation policies of protected species and road safety. Thanks to initiatives like this, the Ministry of Development is managing to develop infrastructures that not only protect the wild fauna of the Andalusian territory but also significantly improve the safety of drivers using these roads.