Utah Tackles Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions with Major Funding Boost
A dangerous stretch of U.S. Highway 40 in Utah is getting a much-needed safety overhaul, thanks to a hefty investment aimed at reducing the alarming number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has secured a $9.6 million grant from the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to complement the $20 million already allocated by state leaders.
This combined funding will be poured into a comprehensive wildlife mitigation project focusing on a 23-mile section of highway spanning Wasatch County to the area near Starvation Reservoir in Duchesne County.
The project, developed through collaboration between UDOT and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, will see the installation of 23 miles of wildlife fencing along the highway. Additionally, three existing wildlife underpasses will be upgraded, and a new one will be built between Fruitland and Starvation Reservoir.
“Roadkill reports indicate that animals attempting to cross U.S. 40 are getting hit by vehicles at high rates,” said Makeda Hanson, a wildlife migration initiative coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. “The new fencing will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and funnel wildlife to safe crossing locations that connect habitats across this route.”
Data analysis played a crucial role in identifying this particular stretch of highway as a critical intervention point. By analyzing roadkill reports from a joint roadkill reporting app and tracking animal migration patterns with GPS collars, the team pinpointed the Currant Creek Wildlife Management Area east of Fruitland as a high-risk zone.
The initiative is driven by a deep understanding of the dangers posed by wildlife collisions. These incidents not only endanger animals but also put human lives at risk, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and millions of dollars in damages and medical costs annually.
“Our goal is to cut down on those collisions and make sure Utah’s travelers are safe,” said Matt Howard, UDOT’s natural resource manager. “This spot can only get worse if we don’t do anything about it.”
Utah’s commitment to wildlife safety is already evident through its network of over 60 wildlife crossings, including bridges and underpasses, which boast a 90% success rate in reducing collisions and preserving local ecosystems.
This ambitious project signifies a significant step forward in balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. By creating safer routes for both animals and travelers, Utah is setting a model for other states facing similar challenges.