The federal government plans to build a series of wildlife crossings beneath the railway tracks of the Mexico-Querétaro train, aiming to minimize the impact on biodiversity and allow safe passage for species. Five natural areas with some degree of protection in the municipality of Querétaro are being analyzed for the construction of these crossings.
According to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the project, four potential zones were identified for the installation of wildlife crossings. These crossings will consist of tunnels through which various wildlife species inhabiting the areas near the railway infrastructure can pass. Warning signs and fencing will be implemented in critical areas to guide animal traffic towards these crossings.
The wildlife crossings will be strategically located considering the modeling of biological corridors, the presence of wildlife species, and the type of habitat affected by the railway project. The height of the embankment will also be taken into account. These crossings will have three different sizes: 12x5 meters for large mammals, 4x3 for medium and small animals, and tubes with a diameter of 1 meter for amphibians and reptiles.
The Environmental Impact Statement details that the wildlife crossings will help maintain the ecological connectivity of habitat patches affected by the train's infrastructure. A 1.9-meter high fence will be placed around the crossings to prevent wildlife crossing, as well as concrete posts along the right-of-way to deter vehicles. Additionally, the tree canopy in the area will be enhanced to provide security for animals when crossing.
Finally, it is noted that the number and exact location of the wildlife crossings have not yet been defined, as they will depend on a detailed analysis in the project area and a methodological framework that addresses its structural and functional connectivity. The areas considered as "connectivity areas" are distributed across the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, and Querétaro. In the case of Querétaro, protected natural areas such as Peña Colorada, Bordo Benito Juárez, El Cimatario National Park, the Ecological Conservation Zone of El Tángano, and the Ecological Reserve Zone of El Batán are included.
