TxDOT Research Library - TxDOT Research Project

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Incorporating Wildlife Crossings into TxDOT's Project Development, Design and Operations Processes

Ocelot approaching a crossing at SH 100 in Texas' Pharr District

What Was the Need?

As Texas human population increases, vehicles and wildlife increasingly intersect, with detrimental economic, ecological, and safety-related consequences. TxDOT had previously not assessed the magnitude of the animal-vehicle collision (AVC) problem in Texas nor created policy to reduce these collisions. Texas has a wide diversity of wildlife that also pose a potential driving danger across 13 distinct ecoregions. For example, the state’s estimated 3.6 million white-tailed deer provide hunting, recreation, and income opportunities while also being involved in many of Texas’ reported AVCs. From 2007 through 2016, the 73,597 AVCs resulted in 177 human fatalities.

What's the Solution?

Through this project, researchers found that if mitigation strategies are developed based on solid data analysis, careful study of the environmental conditions, and coordination among different divisions within TxDOT, the strategies can be cost-effective and deliver results.

Analysis showed high benefit-cost ratios for implementing different types of mitigation, especially when underpasses / overpasses are combined with fencing.

Several TxDOT districts have already initiated successful programs to minimize animal-vehicle collisions and can provide guidance on planning, designing, construction and maintenance.

Research Benefits

Mitigation strategies can significantly improve traveler safety, foster wildlife connectivity, alert TxDOT staff to the value in preserving the state’s wildlife, and ensure that Texas will demonstrate leadership on this issue for other state DOTs.

Project Number

0-6971

Status

Completed

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Project Details

Start Date

9/1/2017

End Date

2/28/2019

Performing Institution(s)

Center for Transportation Research (CTR)

Research Team

RS: Nan Jiang (January 2018-present); Lisa Loftus-Otway Esq (fy18)

Sponsor

Project Manager

Chris Glancy

Contract Specialist

Barbara Davenport

TxDOT Advisor

Stirling Robertson, ENV
John Young, Jr., ENV
John P. Maresh, ENV
Robin Gelston, PHR

Amount Funded

FY18: $197,510
FY19: $74,405

Source

TxDOT RTI

Publications from this Project

Page:

More TxDOT Projects Like This

Functional Area

Planning and Environmental

Index Terms

Wildlife crossings
Deer
Habitat (Ecology)
Animal migrations
Roadside fauna
Crash causes

Lead University

CTR

Researcher

Jiang, Nan, Ph. D.
Loftus-Otway, Lisa Dawn

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Comments

kevyn

A related journal article is also available:

Wilkins, Devin C., Kara M. Kockelman, and Nan Jiang. "Animal-vehicle Collisions in Texas: How to Protect Travelers and Animals on Roadways." Accident Analysis & Prevention 131 (July 2, 2019): 157-70. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2019.05.030.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2019.05.030

7/5/2019 at 9:21 AM

Helpful?

Record Added:

10/16/2017

Record Updated:

11/5/2024 5:30 AM EST

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