Study on Minimization of Environmental and Ecological Effects of Railroad Development considering the Distance from the Roads

Abstract

Railroads and roads are typical linear projects, and their networks are expanding nationwide. To minimize the impact of their development on the environment, ecological disconnection due to the parallel lines of railroads and roads is to be avoided as much as possible. In this study, to examine the environmental impact of railroad and road development, the characteristics of railroads and roads and the differences between them were examined through a comparative analysis of key evaluation items. Based on the result, the road development, unlike the railroad project, suggests items for establishing an efficient land use plan and soil protection as the key evaluation items. There are no specific evaluation items and criteria that can be used to examine the environmental impact of railroad lines located adjacent to roads. In this study, eight evaluation items were suggested by reviewing the relevant literature. In particular, in the strategic environmental impact assessment stage, which examines the adequacy and location feasibility of the plan, the minimum separation distance criteria were proposed to examine in advance the environmental impact of railroads located adjacent to the existing roads. The distances were examined for the previously operated routes, and a distance of less than 200 m was suggested to minimize the environmental impact. The results were compared with those in other studies and analyzed. The results of this study can be used as a basis for examining alternative routes that can minimize the environmental impact of adjacent railroads and roads.