Chapter 7: Human Alterations to Riparian Areas
Roads
and Railroads
- Roadways are a common feature across the landscape because they are necessary for the movement of goods and services and our desire to travel.
Figure 7.20.The road network of Arizona. The different colors represent roads in different counties.
- Railroads can have similar impacts as roads, but have significantly fewer miles compared to roads.
- Many roads and railroads were constructed along streams because it was easier and cheaper. Construction of roads or railroads along riparian areas causes:
- Removal of the riparian vegetation by replacing it with a road pavement or gravel.
- Alteration of the natural topography and infiltration rates that will impact surface and subsurface flows.
- Extensive road systems increase peak flows. Water coming off roads is typically concentrated and can accelerate channel and gully erosion and degrade riparian areas.
- Impacts can be up to 370 feet away from the road.
- Transportation of goods, services and humans are a necessity for our society. Roads and railroads are the main transportation routes. Carefully design plans of roads and railroads are required to minimize their impacts on riparian areas.
Figure 7.21. Arizona has many roads, paved (left) and unpaved (right). Roads are great water conveyance systems to streams.
