UDOT INSTALLING FENCES TO PROTECT WILDLIFE – The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing wildlife fencing at the I-80/I-84 junction near Echo Reservoir to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife, primarily elk and deer. This area sees a high number of such accidents, especially during winter when animals move to lower elevations. The initial phase includes three miles of fencing, but UDOT plans to extend the project by adding 27 more miles of fencing, along with wildlife overpasses and underpasses. The full project, aimed at improving safety for both animals and drivers, could cost up to $30 million.
The expanded effort includes not only fencing but also plans for wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, to ensure safe animal passage without endangering drivers. The Echo Junction area has long been a high-risk zone for animal-vehicle crashes, and the fencing is seen as a critical step in addressing this issue.
While this specific section of the project involves an investment of several million dollars, the entire project could eventually cost up to $30 million. This significant financial commitment reflects the importance of reducing wildlife-related accidents, which cause both safety concerns and economic damage. UDOT is working with local wildlife experts and conservationists to ensure that the fencing and crossing structures effectively guide animals to safer pathways.
The project is part of a broader initiative to mitigate the impact of Utah’s growing transportation infrastructure on wildlife populations, which face increasing threats from highways that intersect with their natural migration routes. The overall goal is to enhance public safety while supporting Utah’s diverse wildlife populations.
To learn more, visit the full article on KSL.
