Utah is leading the way in preventing roadkill, a problem that affects both wildlife and human safety. The state has made significant strides by introducing innovative wildlife crossings designed to help animals safely cross highways without being hit by vehicles.
The first of its kind was introduced in 1975 near Beaver on I-15, making Utah the first state to implement such a solution. Over the years, this initiative has saved countless lives, both human and animal, and is considered a model for other states to follow.
One of the most well-known success stories in Utah’s effort to reduce roadkill is the transformation of U.S. 6. Once known as one of the most dangerous highways in the state, U.S. 6 underwent a major overhaul that has made it much safer for both motorists and wildlife.
The stretch of highway between Spanish Fork and Price has been widened, re-striped, and repaved, along with other structural improvements that have helped reduce accidents and collisions with animals. This transformation earned the highway a national highway award, recognizing the effort to make the road safer for everyone.
The improvements on U.S. 6 not only aimed at reducing fatalities among drivers but also focused on decreasing vehicle collisions with wildlife. The number of accidents involving animals was found to be much higher than previously estimated.
Originally, it was thought that only about 100 accidents occurred due to wildlife in a 10-year period. However, records from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) contractors showed that between 300 and 500 animal carcasses were picked up each year along the highway. This shocking revelation highlighted the need for wildlife crossings to help prevent these incidents.
Wildlife crossings are structures specifically designed to allow animals to cross busy roads safely. They come in many forms, including raised bridges that allow animals to cross over highways or tunnels that let them pass safely under roads.
One of the most common types of wildlife crossings is the culvert, a structure that allows animals like deer to pass through under the road. These culverts need to be the right size and shape to ensure that animals will use them. If the culvert is too long or narrow, it may discourage animals from entering, defeating the purpose of the crossing.
In Utah, the wildlife crossings have been a major success. Dave Sakaguchi, a habitat biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, explained that the need for these structures became clear after a federal analysis of U.S. 6. The analysis revealed that the number of wildlife-related accidents was grossly underestimated, which led to the decision to install more crossings along the highway. Since then, many crossings have been added across the state, especially in areas with high wildlife populations and heavy traffic.
One of the major organizations advocating for wildlife crossings is Pew’s U.S. Conservation Project. They have been pushing for recurring funding from lawmakers to ensure that these projects continue to receive the support they need.
Pew recommends that the Utah Department of Transportation receive a yearly line item from the state legislature specifically for wildlife crossings. This would help ensure that wildlife crossings are consistently funded and prioritized in the state’s transportation planning.
Matt Howard, a natural resources manager for UDOT, highlighted that funding is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to wildlife crossing projects. While Utah has received $20 million in funding from state lawmakers, these projects are costly, and priorities need to be set to determine which projects will be completed first.
For example, a $9 million wildlife crossing project is currently underway on U.S. 40, between Starvation Reservoir and Strawberry Reservoir. There is also ongoing work on U.S. 89 in Kanab, though it has been limited by available funding. Howard stressed that these projects take time and significant financial resources to complete, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Measuring the success of wildlife crossings involves tracking how many animals use them. UDOT uses a system called the “success ratio” to measure how effective each crossing is. The success ratio is calculated by monitoring how many animals approach the crossing and whether they successfully use it or turn back.
If an animal turns away from the crossing, it is considered a “rejection.” Utah’s success rate has been impressive, with over 90% of animals that approach the crossings successfully using them. This high success rate shows that the crossings are working as intended and helping to reduce accidents between vehicles and wildlife.
The success of Utah’s wildlife crossings has made the state a national leader in wildlife conservation and road safety. These crossings have not only saved countless animal lives but also made Utah’s roads safer for drivers. By preventing accidents and reducing roadkill, wildlife crossings have improved the overall safety of the state’s transportation system.
Utah’s efforts have inspired other states to follow suit. As more states recognize the importance of wildlife crossings, the number of these structures will likely continue to grow across the country. In fact, Pew’s U.S. Conservation Project has advocated for funding for wildlife crossings in many states, with the goal of reducing roadkill and improving the safety of roads for both people and animals.
While funding remains a challenge, Utah’s wildlife crossing projects have shown that these efforts are worth the investment. The state has proven that improving infrastructure for wildlife not only benefits animals but also makes roads safer for drivers. As more states adopt similar approaches, the hope is that roadkill will become less of a problem across the U.S. and that wildlife will be able to live in harmony with human infrastructure.
Utah’s success in preventing roadkill through wildlife crossings is a shining example of how innovative infrastructure can save lives and protect wildlife. The state’s continued commitment to building and maintaining wildlife crossings ensures that roads will be safer for everyone—humans and animals alike. As other states follow Utah’s lead, the future looks bright for both wildlife conservation and road safety.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
