Safety Issues

Primary Concern: Wildlife Interactions

Many visitors travel to Federal lands to see animals/wildlife. This traffic, as well as traffic traveling through a Federal land can lead to issues between animals and vehicles. Image 1 shows an example of how an overpass can be used to let animals pass safely under a roadway. Image 2 shows how signage may be used to warn motorists of animals crossing a roadway.

The potential solutions to this issue include using infrastructure to minimize animal/vehicle conflicts, using ITS to inform motorists/visitors of animals, and policy solutions to slow traffic and inform motorists of the likelihood of animals on the roads. The following links let you view the Fact Sheets which provide detailed information on the possible solutions relating to this issue.

Infrastructure

• Automated Gate Access
• Barriers/Curbs/Sidewalks
• Improved Traffic Control Devices
• Offsite Visitor Information
• Traffic Calming
• Wildlife Crossing Structures

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

• Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS)
• 511
• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
• Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)
• Highway Advisory Radio (HAR)
• Animal Detection Systems
• Portable Speed Monitoring Systems (PSMS)
• Variable Speed Display Signs (VSDS)

Policy

• Alternate Route Regulations/Incentives
• Educational Campaigns
• Improved Speed Policies
• Off-Peak Incentives
• Seasonal/Weather Road Closures
• Traffic Calming
• Vegetation Management

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