Migrating Mule Deer Protected from Road Collisions by New Wildlife Crossing along US 89

The US 89 is the site of a significant crossing of thousands of mule deer that take the route twice a year in their regular migration in the Utah-Arizona area. A recent project on US 89 in Southern Utah is expected to reduce the number of collisions between deer and cars that use the highway. In one year, there are 100-105 collisions between vehicles and migrating mule deer as approximated by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). The UDOT is assisted in the undertaking by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).

The wildlife crossing that is being built is hoped to save not just wildlife but human lives as well. The fencing and underpass system is predicted to lessen the number of animal deaths along the stretch significantly. The construction project is estimated to be worth $2.6 million.

An 11-mile stretch

Between Lake Powell and Kanab, migratory deer cross an 11-mile stretch of US 89 as they go to and from northern Arizona and southern Utah. The primary hot-spot for collision is an area about 25 miles east of Kanab. Aside from deer, other wildlife use the area in their migration from one region to another as the seasons come and go. A biologist from the DWR says that this may not be the solution but the project is a “great improvement.”

Benefits to motorists

The project is expected to save motorists and prevent people from incurring expenses for property damage. Motor accidents due to collision with migrating animals have also caused fatalities years back. The accidents that occur in Kane County alone kill about 10% of the deer population every year.

In order to prevent another tragic event from happening, a number of agencies supplemented state and federal funding, mostly from the Bureau of Land Management. The Utah Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife also contributed financially to the endeavor. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is also involved in the project.

Fences and tunnels

Monte Aldridge, an UDOT engineer facilitated a recent press tour of the construction project. Work crews have been putting up fences eight feet in height on either side of the stretch of road to discourage and prevent the animals from crossing the highway. An UDOT representative said that the deer would have to follow the fence until it ends where they can cross over without needing to encounter the highway. At the same time, three tunnels were added to the existing small culverts that the deer could use to cross.

Outside help

State officials got help from environmental activist John Davis of New York in the publicity for the project. Davis is completing a 5,000 mile trek called “Trek West” that starts from Mexico and ends up north in Canada. David is doing the trek to promote corridors for wildlife and he made a detour to provide what help he could to the project. According to Davis, the US 89 project is a very important step in restoring and saving America’s natural heritage, which for him ought to be a primary national goal.

Photo Credit: US Route 89