Highway 41: Freeing Up the Flow of Water
In Highway 41: Freeing Up the Flow of Water, engineers did not realize how a permanent structure would affect the constant movement of the Everglades waters. Fortunately, there are solutions to keep the wetlands freely flowing. This video is excerpted from BBC's Natural World Florida: America's Animal Paradise, a series displaying Florida’s diverse wildlife and its resilience against increasing environmental threats.
Lesson Express
Q: What did engineers fail to realize when Highway 41 was built in the 1920s?
A: The Everglades move and shift, but the solid highway disrupts the changing water levels and has been a possible cause of birds disappearing from the area.
Q: What are some of the engineering solutions to this problem?
A: Giant pipes of water allow the water to move through to the other side of the highway, and raised bridges allow water to flow freely underneath.
Q: How do these solutions help humans?
A: The Everglades absorb large amounts of water, which helps prevent flooding. Allowing the water to shift freely will keep homes safe from flooding due to hurricanes.