
Utah’s Efforts to Improve Wildlife Migration and Roadway Safety
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), alongside various partners, are making significant strides to protect wildlife and reduce vehicle collisions. Through a series of new structures and studies completed in 2024, these efforts aim to facilitate safe wildlife migrations across the state.
Since its inception in 2017, the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative has tracked the migration patterns of wildlife and fish species using GPS devices and implanted transmitters. “The tracking data helps us understand when and where animals are moving and helps us determine critical areas for wildlife migration,” said DWR Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson in a press release. She emphasized the importance of habitat improvements, removing barriers, and constructing wildlife crossings to connect seasonal ranges and improve wildlife connectivity.
Wildlife crossings in Utah include overpasses, culverts, and bridges that allow animals to safely navigate roads. Fences often guide animals toward these crossings, preventing accidents. For aquatic life, fish ladders assist in migration, while barriers prevent fish from entering harmful areas. Utah has been a pioneer in wildlife crossings, completing the first U.S. wildlife overpass on I-15 near Beaver in 1975. “Since then, dozens of projects have been completed around the state that allow the passage of wildlife and fish,” said DWR Wildlife Impact Analysis Coordinator Daniel Olson.
In southern Utah, a wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation study was completed for SR-18 in July 2024. Based on the study's recommendations, seasonal driver alerts have been implemented, including a message board near Dammeron Valley to warn drivers of deer crossings.
UDOT Natural Resource Manager Matt Howard highlighted the importance of funding for these projects, noting that grants have been pivotal in expanding Utah’s wildlife crossings. “We’ve learned a lot about these funding processes and are hopeful that we can continue to obtain the necessary funding to implement additional wildlife structures across the state to keep wildlife and drivers safe,” he said.
Upcoming projects include significant investments in wildlife safety infrastructure. A $5.5 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant, supplemented by other contributions, will fund underpasses and fencing along US-89 near Kanab, with construction planned for 2024. Another $9.6 million federal grant will fund improvements on US-40 in Wasatch and Duchesne counties, including 23 miles of fencing and retrofitting three underpasses. Additionally, fencing projects along I-15, near Quail Creek State Park and Fillmore, are underway.

These initiatives exemplify Utah’s commitment to safeguarding its diverse wildlife while ensuring public safety on roadways. For more information, visit the DWR website or listen to the DWR Wild podcast to learn about project funding and location selection processes.
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Gallery Credit: Scott Clow
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