Citation

Dodd N, Wise J. IMSA J. 2007; 45(2): 44-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Municipal Signal Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes a new type of game crossing traffic safety system that was activated near Payson, Arizona, in December 2006. Designed to minimize collisions between motorists and elk along State Route 260, the system uses thermal imaging for detection, electric fencing for channeling of game, radio networking, and solar-powered controls. The article first describes the issues behind the need for such a traffic safety system, relating that traffic surveys have indicated high travel speeds in an area where there is a large elk population. Wildlife underpasses were first installed to provide safe passage for the elk. The article details the 8-foot high electrobraid fencing system that was installed to channel large game animals to the highway crossing. It describes the traffic control equipment consisting of video processors, thermal imaging detectors, solar-powered flasher assemblies, and variable message sign units. Traffic speed data, in addition to wildlife-motorist collision monitoring and elk Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry, will all be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the game crossing system.