WYDOT implements temporary speed limit changes north of Evanston

WYDOT will begin the first of a few experimental studies on the effectiveness of nighttime speed limit reductions on wildlife vehicle collisions in parts of western Wyoming.

One of the first areas to be signed for the reduced nighttime speed limits is WYO 89 north of Evanston from mileposts 1 to 11. As of March 1 and through April 30, and then again Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, speeds in this area will be reduced to 55 mph at night.

Signs will have “when flashing” yellow beacons indicating the enforceable reduced nighttime speed period. When the flashing beacons are not activated, the nighttime speed limit is not in effect.

“These are only interim speed limits during the study time frames, allowing us to examine the effectiveness of nighttime speed limits on wildlife collisions," District Traffic Engineer Darin Kaufman said. 

Wyoming continues to struggle with wildlife collisions every year on local highways and byways. Wildlife-vehicle collisions pose a serious problem to society with regard to human safety, wildlife mortality, habitat connectivity and financial costs.

In Wyoming, an average of 2,228 wildlife vehicle collisions was reported over the last three years, accounting for 15 percent of all reported collisions. These collisions often result in significant damage to vehicles, injure their occupants and are almost always lethal to the animal. 

Mule deer account for more than 85 percent of all wildlife-vehicle collisions in Wyoming. WYDOT’s estimated costs per reported collision are $11,600 in injury and property damage costs and $4,000 in the unclaimed restitution value for each deer that is killed. Taken together, deer-vehicle collisions alone total about $24-29 million per year in Wyoming in injury and damage costs and an additional $20-23 million per year in wildlife costs. This doesn’t include the potentially much higher number of actual lost deer, since only a small percentage of collisions are reported and not all carcasses are retrieved.

To seek a cost-effective solution to combat these wildlife collisions, WYDOT is investigating the use of nighttime speed limit reductions. WYDOT will be conducting studies on specific stretches of state highways that have been statistically noted for their higher rate of wildlife vehicle collisions with deer.

WYDOT’s Programming Research Advisory Committee has approved funding to study the effectiveness of nighttime speed limits on several stretches of highway in western Wyoming. 

“WYDOT plans to use the results of this study to help guide decisions on implementation of nighttime speeds in the future,” Compton said. “We are looking at areas in which wildlife migration is evident as well as core winter range areas. The study should help us to know if the speed reduction is a viable alternative and in which situations it is most effective.”

Other areas will follow, including:

• US 30 near Cokeville, 3 miles (will be signed April 1 through May 31 of 2017, and then again Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 of 2017)
• US 191-189 near Warren Bridge, north of Daniel Junction, 7 miles (will be signed April 1 through May 31 of 2017, and then again Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 of 2017)
• US 189 from La Barge to Big Piney, 23 miles (will be signed as of Nov. 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018)
• US 189 South near Lazeart Junction, 16 miles (will be signed as of Nov. 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018)
• US 30 from Kemmerer heading west, 8 miles (will be signed as of Nov. 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018)

Researchers will be taking into account seasonal migration patterns, driver behaviors and driver compliance with speeds. The study began last fall with a segment south of Pinedale, and will take place over three years.

“WYDOT is committed to doing this study correctly so that the results show the level to which the treatment was successful,” Compton said. “The benefit here is that, if shown to be effective, this will be another tool in our toolbox to use to decrease wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve overall safety for the driver and animal.”

WYDOT urges motorists to be conscientious of wildlife, obey all traffic signs and speed regulations and take extra precautions at night, being careful not to out-drive your head lights, and scan the roadway from shoulder to shoulder to look for wildlife.   

For more information on road construction, closures and weather conditions, please visit http://www.wyoroad.info.