WTI

Bozeman Pass Wildlife Channelization ITS Project

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Bozeman Pass Wildlife Channelization ITS Project Executive Summary
   1. Amanda Hardy, Julie Fuller, Scott Lee, Laura Stanley & Ahmed Al-Kaisy
   2. 425539_Executive_Summary.pdf
2. Bozeman Pass Wildlife Channelization ITS Project Final Report
   1. Amanda Hardy, Julie Fuller, Scott Lee, Laura Stanley & Ahmed Al-Kaisy
   2. 425539_Final_Report.pdf
3. Errata for Bozeman Pass Wildlife Channelization ITS Project
   1. April Craighead and Lauren Oechsli
   2. Errata_425539.pdf

Project Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Intelligent Transportation Systems, combined with a public information campaign, to increase awareness of the high risk of animal-vehicle colisions on the Bozeman Pass and reduce the number incidents.

Project Abstract

Biologists with the U.S. Forest Service have identified Bozeman Pass, between Bozeman and Livingston, Montana, as a high-priority, key passage area for wildlife movements between the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Bob Marshall/Glacier Ecosystems in the Northern Rockies. The transportation corridor -- consisting of Interstate 90, frontage roads and the MRL Railroad -- bisects the wildlife passage area and creates a hazard to the animals that try to cross the highway. During 2001, 130 animal carcasses were recorded on a 21-mile stretch of highway and that number increased to 179 in 2002. Fencing and cattle guards to direct animals under the highway through culverts and bridge structures have proven to reduce animal-vehicle collisions, however, these techniques can be cost prohibitive when applied across long stretches of road. Public education campaigns and signing techniques are typically lower cost and, if applied appropriately, have the potential to increase driver alertness and reduce animal-vehicle collisions. This project will use Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) that already exist on Bozeman Pass to motivate drivers to decrease speed and be aware of animal crossings. DMS are typically used to inform motorists of upcoming hazards, delays, detours or conditions that may influence their travel. They have not been tested for their effect on reducing animal-vehicle collisions in Montana. Researchers will compile information on ITS applications, driver behavior, and animal-vehicle conflicts to determine techniques that may change motorist behaviors to reduce the chance of animal-vehicle collision. With this information, researchers will test candidate ITS applications using a driver simulator and measure human subjects’ responses to a number of “virtual” scenarios of ITS applications and animal-vehicle interactions. Data collection of wildlife movements and animal-vehicle mortalities on the Pass will be used for the evaluation of the ITS project as well as the effectiveness of wildlife fencing. We will also assess how the ITS project affects the MDT maintenance operations on Bozeman Pass.

Task Descriptions

1. Maintenance Operations of Impact Assessment
   1. Quantify the cost related to: animal carcass removal on Bozeman Pass, operating and maintenance of ITS equipment used in this study, and the cost effectiveness of using ITS equipment for this study in relation to MDT maintenance and operations.
2. Bozeman Pass Wildlife Monitoring
   1. Collect, manage, analyze field data on wildlife traffic victims and wildlife movements on and near Bozeman Pass. The Craighead Environmental Research Institute will oversee the wildlife monitoring aspects of this project.
3. Project Administration and Management
   1. Coordinate and integrate the various research partners, tasks and products
4. Implementation and Evaluation
   1. Subtask A: Literature Review -- Review and synthesize information on driver responses such as stopping distance, reaction time and sight distance; ITS measures that can reduce speed and/or increase awareness of animals; the effects of animal-vehicle collisions on animals, vehicles and people at varying speeds; and previous studies that may have similar components. Subtask B: Driving Simulator Study -- A driving simulator will be used to measure driver responses to factors such as Dynamic Message Signs, work zones and animals crossing the roadway. Subtask C: Apply ITS Options for Informing Motorists of Animal Movement on Bozeman Pass -- Running concurrently with the driver simulator study, ITS equipment will be used to inform motorists of animal movements in the area. Subtask D: Public Information Campaign -- Fifteen-second public service announcements, created by American Wildlands as an in-kind match for the project, will be broadcasted in Bozeman and Livingston to inform local drivers of wildlife movements and animal-vehicle collisions on Bozeman Pass. A public relations working group will determine other appropriate forms of public information. Subtask E: Evaluation of Driver Responses to Subtasks C and D -- Evaluate driver responses to ITS equipment and the public information campaign. Measures of effectiveness will be determined after the ITS options are selected.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

rural transportation, intelligent transportation systems, variable message signs

Partners

Montana Department of Transportation, Craighead Environmental Research Institute