This report reviews 39 mitigation measures that reduce animal vehicle collisions and that provide habitat connectivity for wildlife across highways. The overview is restricted to mitigation measures aimed at large terrestrial mammals (deer size and larger). However, this report also includes information regarding how such measures may affect or benefit federally endangered or threatened species in Montana, regardless of their size. In addition to the detailed information for each mitigation measure, a summary table is provided that provides at a glance information on the costs and benefits of the individual mitigation measures for which such data were available. Furthermore, the report graphically illustrates which measures have the best monetary balance (the difference between benefits and costs) and which measures reduce animal vehicle collisions and associated costs best. Based on the results, the authors of this report identified wildlife fencing, with or without wildlife underpasses or a combination of wildlife underpasses and overpasses, and animal detection systems with wildlife fencing, as the most cost effective mitigation measures. Animal detection systems without wildlife fences or wildlife fences with a high density of wildlife overpasses are also cost effective, but more data on system effectiveness are needed before these systems are recommended for implementation rather than further study. The final section of the report provides suggestions on the implementation or study for each of the 39 mitigation measures.

TRB¿s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 615: Evaluation of the Use and Effectiveness of Wildlife Crossings explores development of an interactive, web-based decision guide protocol for the selection, configuration, and location of wildlife crossings.

The authors conducted wildlife-highway relationships research from 2002-2006 along a 17-mile stretch of State Route 260 in Arizona which is being reconstructed in five phases with 11 wildlife underpasses and six bridges. Reconstruction phasing allowed the authors to use a before-after-control experimental approach in their research. The objectives of their research were: 1) assess and compare wildlife use of underpasses; 2) evaluate highway permeability and wildlife movements among reconstruction classes; 3) characterize wildife-vehicle collision patterns and changes with reconstruction; 4) assess relationships among highway traffic volume and wildlife vehicle collisions, elk crossing patterns, and wildlife use of underpasses; 5) assess the role that ungulate-proof fencing plays in wildlife vehicle collisions, wildlife use of underpasses, and wildlife permeability; 6) provide ongoing highway reconstruction implementation guidance. The authors used video surveillance to assess and compare wildlife use of five underpasses at which they recorded 8,455 animals and 11 different species; 5,560 of these animals (65.8%) crossed through the underpass. The authors employed global positioning system telemetry to assess highway permeability across SR 260, with 65 elk fitted with receiver collars. Elk crossed State Route 260 5,749 times. Elk permeability on reconstructed highway (0.43 crossings/approach) was half that of control sections. Permeability increased 60% after ungulate-proof fencing was erected on a reconstructed section. Effective monitoring and adaptive management yielded benefits to highway safety and wildlife permeability alike.

NCHRP synthesis 370 examines the extent to which data from animal-vehicle collision accident reports and animal carcass counts are collected, analyzed, and used throughout the United States and Canada.

In all western states, domestic animal and wildlife populations are increasing as well as the vehicular traffic volumes. Consequently, increases in animal-vehicle collisions have been reported by many states. The purpose of this report is to provide a synthesis of animal-vehicle collision mitigation measures utilized by other states and to provide a cost-effective recommendation for ADOT to further reduce animal-vehicle collisions. Preparation for this report included assembling documented studies currently underway and existing reports, and conducting a survey among selected states and countries to learn what practices have been used for solving or alleviating animal-vehicle collisions.

This volume reviews the ecological effects of road, rail, marine and air transport. The focus ranges from identification of threats and repair of damaging effects to design of future transport systems that minimize environmental degradation. The scope of coverage extends from small ecosystems to the planet as a whole. Experts from a variety of disciplines address the topic, expressing views across the spectrum from deep pessimism to cautious optimism.

Winner of the IENE Project Award 2016. This authoritative volume brings together some of the world’s leading researchers, academics, practitioners and transportation agency personnel to present the current status of the ecological sustainability of the linear infrastructure – primarily road, rail and utility easements – that dissect and fragment landscapes globally. It outlines the potential impacts, demonstrates how this infrastructure is being improved, and how broad ecological principles are applied to mitigate the impact of road networks on wildlife. Research and monitoring is an important aspect of road ecology, encompassing all phases of a transportation project. This book covers research and monitoring to span the entire project continuum – starting with planning and design, through construction and into maintenance and management. It focuses on impacts and solutions for species groups and specific regions, with particular emphasis on the unique challenges facing Asia, South America and Africa. Other key features: Contributions from authors originating from over 25 countries, including from all continents Each chapter summarizes important lessons, and includes lists of further reading and thoroughly up to date references Highlights principles that address key points relevant to all phases in all road projects Explains best-practices based on a number of successful international case studies Chapters are "stand-alone", but they also build upon and complement each other; extensive cross-referencing directs the reader to relevant material elsewhere in the book Handbook of Road Ecology offers a comprehensive summary of approximately 30 years of global efforts to quantify the impacts of roads and traffic and implement effective mitigation. As such, it is essential reading for those involved in the planning, design, assessment and construction of new roads; the management and maintenance of existing roads; and the modifying or retrofitting of existing roads and problem locations. This handbook is an accessible resource for both developed and developing countries, including government transportation agencies, Government environmental/conservation agencies, NGOs, and road funding and donor organisations.