Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho 21, Wildlife Collision Avoidance

Below is a computer-driven rendering of what the underpass will look like.

Idaho 21 - Milepost 18.22

Project Number: A011(961)
Key Number: 11961

Description
This project included the construction of a wildlife underpass structure with fencing on Idaho 21 near milepost 18 to allow big-game species such as deer and elk to safely cross the highway, reducing the number of vehicle/animal collisions. This area is located within a larger corridor that has been identified as a safety concern due to the high number of documented collisions between motorists and deer and elk. Each year between 150-210 collisions with mule deer and 5-10 collisions with elk have been recorded within this roadway corridor.

Background
In the past 36 years, collisions with deer in this area have cost Idaho motorists about $17.4 million. On an annual basis, this amounts to about $483,000. Given the magnitude of the cost of property damage, wildlife losses, and potential loss of human life, the benefit of preventing future accidents is substantial.

Schedule and Traffic Impacts
This project started in mid-July 2010 and was completed in Mid-October, 2010. Traffic impacts consisted of diverting traffic around the bridge on a short single lane by-pass.

McAlvain Construction is the contractor on the $755,857 stimulus project.

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.