UDOT

Funds will restore vital corridors and habitats, reduce collisions 

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has been awarded a $9.6 million federal grant to make wildlife safety improvements along US-40 in Wasatch and Duchesne counties.

The project will add 23 miles of wildlife fencing along US-40, retrofit three existing wildlife underpasses and add one new underpass from Fruitland to Starvation Reservoir. 

According to crash data, 60% of all crashes in the last seven years in this area involved animals, highlighting the need for safety and migration enhancements.

“This grant will help us reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, all while keeping Utah — and even its wildlife populations — moving,” UDOT Natural Resources Manager Matt Howard said. “These wildlife crossings are vital for safety, as every time an animal crosses under one of these crossings, it is an animal that is not on the road, not a threat to itself and to Utah motorists. Our goal is to cut down wildlife-vehicle collisions and make sure everyone is safe.” 

UDOT and DNR have constructed over 60 wildlife crossings across Utah.

“We are thrilled that this grant has been awarded to our partners, the Utah Department of Transportation,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson said. “Based on existing GPS collar data, we have learned that US-40 is a barrier to wildlife movements. Roadkill reports indicate that animals attempting to cross the busy road are getting hit by vehicles at high rates. The new fencing will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and funnel wildlife to safe crossing locations that connect habitats across this route. These funds help make these projects possible, and we are excited to continue to partner with UDOT on these important efforts.” 

UDOT and DNR are also planning to extend fencing in Kanab, and have applied for additional funding to use for a pre-existing project near Echo Junction.