9/21/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Wildlife Undercrossing on Idaho 21 to reduce vehicle/animal collisions nears completion
BOISE - Construction on the wildlife underpass and
fence on Idaho 21 at milepost 18 is due to finish by mid- to late October. This project is the initial
phase of a larger plan to significantly reduce the persistent wildlife-vehicle
collision problem.
Idaho's highway system provides safe and efficient travel, access to tourist
and recreational activities, and a high quality of life for people in both
rural and urban settings. In some cases, however, the needs of people and
wildlife collide.
The Idaho 21 corridor between the intersections of Warm Springs Avenue and
Robie Creek is one of those places. Each year, approximately 75-100
vehicle collisions with mule deer and 5-10 vehicle collisions with elk are
documented within the corridor. Vehicle
wildlife collisions cost an average of $8,000 for each deer hit, $18,000 for each
elk.
"We are optimistic that the concept will be successful. Wildlife underpasses
such as this one have proven successful in several states and other countries,"
said ITD Environmental Planner Greg Vitley. "The location of the crossing is
based on more than 30 years of data, knowledge and experience in transportation
needs and wildlife movements in the area and included knowledge of historic
road kill numbers, migratory routes, habitat connectivity, wildlife crossing
science and construction limitations."
At a cost of $800,000, the underpass and associated big-game fence were built
with federal stimulus dollars to bring jobs to Idaho and which required a
portion of the funding to go toward environmental enhancements.
An estimated additional $450,000 in funding is necessary to build fencing on
the east side of Idaho 21 to complete the first phase.
"The real success and key to
measuring the effectiveness of this project is how well the crossing structure
and fencing, once completed, will reduce vehicle wildlife collisions and how
much of the mule deer/elk population continues to have permeability across
their home range and through this crossing structure, said Scott Rudel,
ITD environmental planner.
"Once fully built out, we
hope to see a reduction of over 80 percent in vehicle wildlife collisions in
the immediate vicinity of the project area as well as still providing that
critical permeability that deer, elk and other wildlife need."
"This project alone will not resolve the wildlife
vehicle conflicts in this stretch of highway," said Vitley. "Other crossings and fencing are needed. In the interim,
gaps in the fence are being provided to allow wildlife permeability across
Idaho 21 while additional funds are being sought."
ITD reminds drivers to slow down in the work zone, watch out for construction trucks moving in and out of the roadway, and pay close attention to traffic signs and signals. Motorists also are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.