Trappers Point Wildlife Corridor Sensors
WYDOT to install high-tech sensors to alert motorists of wildlife
by Wyoming Department of Transportation
June 10, 2005
Efforts are underway to help mitigate vehicle-wildlife crashes west of Pinedale on US Highway 191, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
The two-mile Trapper's Point project includes the latest technology to detect wildlife on the highway and alert motorists to help minimize vehicle-wildlife collisions in a high wildlife migration route.
Trapper's Point is located about seven miles west of Pinedale where US 191 and WYO 352 intersect. It is estimated that 3,000 mule deer and 2,000 antelope migrate through this "bottleneck," what the Wyoming Game and Fish dubs narrow areas along a migration route that get pinched down due to topography, vegetation and development.
The $898,000 project consists of two types of sensors both motion and presence which will activate signs warning motorists of animals in the area. Precautions have been taken to allow for snow accumulation to ensure the sensors will function correctly. Six signs will be placed throughout the project, two at each end in both directions and two in the middle of the bottleneck, all to alert motorists of animals in the area. Once the signs are activated by the sensors, they will indicate to motorists that animals are in the area and to reduce their speed.
Impacts to the traveling public will be minimal as most work will take place in the highway right of way. However, some single lane closures may be needed. WYDOT reminds motorists to drive with caution through work zones.
Interstate Electrical Contractors, Inc., of Wheat Ridge, Colo., is the contractor on the project. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2005.
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