DUCHESNE, Utah — The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is set to begin a significant project aimed at improving road safety and wildlife migration along a 23-mile stretch of US-40 near Starvation Reservoir in Duchesne County. With the support of a $9.6 million federal grant, the initiative will add wildlife fencing and a new wildlife underpass, addressing a critical issue that has been contributing to accidents in the region.
According to UDOT data, wildlife-related crashes have been a major concern, with 60% of accidents in the area over the last seven years involving animals. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for safety measures to prevent further collisions and protect both wildlife and motorists. The upcoming project is part of ongoing efforts by UDOT to create safer roads while ensuring the safe passage of animals across highways.
“These wildlife crossings are vital for safety, as every time an animal crosses under one of those crossings, it is an animal that is not on the road, not a threat to itself and to Utah motorists,” said Matt Howard, UDOT’s Natural Resources Manager. He emphasized the importance of these improvements in maintaining a balance between human infrastructure and wildlife conservation.
In addition to the new fencing and underpass, the project will retrofit three existing wildlife underpasses in the area, further enhancing the system of safe crossings. UDOT has been collaborating closely with the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other partners to address wildlife-vehicle collisions across the state.
Makeda Hanson, Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, explained that US-40 has long been a barrier to wildlife movement. “Roadkill reports indicate that animals attempting to cross the busy road are getting hit by vehicles at alarming rates,” Hanson said. “The new fencing will funnel wildlife to safer crossing locations, reducing collisions and allowing animals to move freely between habitats.”
Since 2008, UDOT and DNR have built more than 60 wildlife crossings across Utah, with the goal of reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and reconnecting fragmented habitats. These efforts are part of a broader statewide initiative to protect wildlife corridors and mitigate the risks posed by highways.
This new project comes on the heels of similar efforts in other parts of the state. In September 2024, UDOT announced the addition of three miles of wildlife fencing near Echo Reservoir at the I-80 and I-84 junction in Summit County. Plans to extend fencing and improve safety in Kanab are also underway.
As the project in Duchesne County moves forward, both UDOT and wildlife conservationists are hopeful that the enhancements will lead to a significant reduction in wildlife-related accidents, ultimately creating a safer environment for both animals and travelers.