I-80/I-84 Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study





I-80/I-84 Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study

I-80/I-84 Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction StudyThe U.S. Interstate 80 (I-80) and U.S. Interstate 84 (I-84) corridor in Salt Lake County and Summit County, Utah, has been identified as a critical connectivity area for wildlife. The frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions on this corridor is a source of economic, safety, and natural resource concern. The Utah Department of Transportation, which is committed to motorists’ safety, commissioned this study to support collaborative mitigation efforts and discussions with state agencies and community groups. This study focused on big game species—mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis), and moose (Alces alces)—along I-80 from the mouth of Parley’s Canyon to Echo Junction, Utah, and along I-84 from Echo Junction to Henefer, Utah. The purpose of this wildlife-vehicle collision reduction study was to aid further discussion and action for mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) in I-80 and I-84 corridor. Successfully mitigating WVCs is a multi-faceted effort, the success of which is dependent upon the collaborative work of many groups; largescale, long-term planning; and financial contributions. Both the road network itself and the surrounding land uses were considered in the mitigation options proposed by this study.