AZ Wildlife Crossing Evaluation and Results Disclosed

TEMPE, AZ - 02/23/2010 - In December, 2006, in a cooperative effort between Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT); AZ Game and Fish Department (AZGFD); the Federal Highway Administration, and USDA Forest Service, a new type of game crossing traffic safety system was activated.

The goal of the system is to minimize collisions between motorists and elk along SR 260 east of Payson, Arizona. The system employs thermal imaging for detection; electric fencing for channeling of game; radio networking and solar-powered traffic controls from STC.

The final report from AZ Game and Fish Departments: It works! So well, in fact, that there has been a 93 percent reduction of elk/vehicle collisions in the area where fencing is completed and linked with underpasses.

Solar Traffic Controls and Electrobraid of Canada provided the Roadside Animal Detection System (RADS) consisting of the thermal imaging and detection system as well as two solar-powered flasher assemblies; and two variable message signs.

For a complete description of the installations, click here.

Continued evaluations of these data, along with wildlife-vehicle collision monitoring and elk GPS telemetry, will allow AZGFD and ADOT to evaluate the fencing and detection system for potential applications to make Arizona's highways safe for motorists and wildlife. View full report.

For more information on STC's products and services, please stay here on our website or send an email to info@solar-traffic-controls.com or call 480.449.0222.