IMPROVEMENT OF FOREST ROADS, CASE STUDY: THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE GOLIRAN COAL MINE IN MAZANDARAN PROVINCE, IRAN

Abstract

Improvement of existing forest roads for easier access to mineral resources and operation is one of the national needs and a factor of economic and tourism development in the forest areas on the southern Coast of the Khazar Lake and in the Highlands of the northern provinces of Iran. Forest resource management can only be sustainable through a well-organized road network designed with optimal spatial planning and minimum environmental impacts. Improving the quality of forest roads leads to reducing mining and transport costs, and improving the livelihoods of the local people However, unscrupulous construction and improper maintenance could have adverse and irreparable effects. Environmental destruction should be minimized in the design and construction of forest roads and engineering principles should not be neglected in this regard. In the long run, Improved Road construction will have positive environmental impacts because road damage due to Erosion and Drift brings environmental damage in addition to economic and social injuries. One of the main factors in the stability and durability of roads is extensive drainage and stabilization of the road shell in inaccessible forest and mountain areas. This article examines environmental and engineering problems, sustainability, and impacts of drainage and stability in the construction and improvement of forest roads based on the access road to the Goliran coal mine in the highlands of Babol county in Mazandaran province, Iran.