Federal Level:
Federal Highway Administration:
Greener Roadsides
Raymond Sauvajot
National Park Service
(805)370-2339
Switzerland has developed some of the most sophisticated techniques for reducing transportation infrastructure impacts on wildlife. The Swiss approach addresses both the direct effects of roads resulting in wildlife mortality as well as proactive measures to ensure safe passage of animals across roads. Many of the methods and techniques utilized in Switzerland have been coupled with extensive research that documents the value of specific measures and provides on-the-ground information for improving crossing point designs.
To reduce wildlife mortality on roadways, the Swiss have developed animal crossing warning signs that are triggered by animals near the roads. When animals (e.g., roe deer, red deer, etc.) cross motion detectors along highway right-of-ways, the signs light up and warn motorists to slow down. The Swiss have documented that these signs have been very effective at influencing driver behavior and reducing wildlife mortality. The signs have been strategically placed on roads with routine drivers. Read more…
Florida:
The possibility of vehicular collisions with animals crossing the road is a constant threat to many of our threatened or endangered species, including bears, panthers, and key deer. For some species a filled roadway becomes an insurmountable barrier. In those cases, the new structure divides the wetland into smaller habitats, which may not be large enough to support the existing populations.
Colorado:
To better protect elk and motorists alike, CDOT has realigned the new highway and designed a series of game crossing bridges based on established deer and elk migration routes.
At these points, the highway was raised to enable deer and elk to pass underneath the highway at ground level.
This highway re-alignment is intended to reduce the number of animals crossing the highway by allowing an undercrossing.
The combination of game fencing and elevated bridges should help ensure safe passage for wildlife and motorists. Read more…
Washington State:
From The Herald of Everett, WA
Roadkill season: When human and fauna rush hours collide
By Melissa Slager, Herald Writer
We’re entering roadkill season in Snohomish County.
Fall brings darker mornings and evenings, a cool cover that’s favored by animals on the move. Some animals also are migrating as they get ready for winter. Others are, erm, getting frisky (and therefore less cautious).
Add more cars on the road with school back in session, and the chances increase of sad roadside scenes of our furry neighbors and possible injury to humans, too. Read more…