Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has secured a $566,000 federal grant to further its efforts in reducing wildlife-related vehicle collisions and enhancing habitat connectivity. This funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration's Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.

ADOT plans to use this grant to create an online mapping tool designed to pinpoint wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots, analyze collision data, and identify wildlife corridors that are crucial for habitat connectivity. The goal is to aid in the development and prioritization of projects while also building cost estimates for future initiatives aimed at safeguarding both wildlife and drivers.

The new system will leverage geographic information systems (GIS) mapping technology to integrate habitat connectivity data with crash statistics and existing strategies for mitigating wildlife collisions. This integration aims to streamline the identification and evaluation process for potential wildlife crossing locations.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, ADOT reported 2,014 animal-related collisions in 2023 alone, resulting in 241 injuries and four fatalities across Arizona. The proposed system will build upon the 2006 Arizona Wildlife Linkages Assessment developed by ADOT alongside partners, as well as the 2021 Statewide Wildlife Vehicle Conflict Study which utilized crash data to identify collision hotspots.

The project is one of 16 selected nationally for fiscal year 2024-25 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. This program provides $350 million over five years through fiscal year 2025-26. A state match of $32,000 is required for this grant.

Previously, Arizona was awarded a $24 million grant in late 2023 aimed at constructing a wildlife overpass along Interstate 17 in northern Arizona. Set to commence this spring, this project includes double cattle guards at interchanges and fencing extending over an area between Munds Park traffic interchange and Kelly Canyon traffic interchange.

Other ongoing efforts by ADOT include building wildlife overpasses and underpasses on US Route 93 near Hoover Dam; implementing fencing and crossings on State Route 260 east of Payson; creating a wildlife overpass on State Route 77 north of Tucson; and constructing two underpasses along with six miles of fencing on State Route 86 between Tucson and Sells.