Living snow fences (LSF) are designed plantings of trees and/or shrubs and native grasses along highways, roads and ditches that create a vegetative buffer that traps and controls blowing and drifting snow. These strategically placed fences have been shown to be cost effective in reducing highway maintenance associated with blowing and drifting snow conditions.
The advent of solar energy utilization in highway infrastructure around the country has been increasing in recent years. Right of Ways (ROWs) have several advantages for energy development such as the existing electrical infrastructure aligned with the major highways, a secured boundary, and easy maintenance access. To understand the potential impacts on driver safety, environmental resources, and maintenance operations, case studies are presented from national and international projects. Factors associated risk impacts are analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Mitigation measures are recommended to minimize the undesirable impacts in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of solar array.
