Missoula, MT – Montana is taking steps to enhance road safety for both wildlife and motorists with a proposed wildlife crossing along Sixmile Creek, just west of Missoula. The initiative aims to address the ongoing issue of wildlife-vehicle collisions, which cause an average of 200 fatalities annually across the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Collisions with large animals, such as deer, are a significant concern for drivers, leading to thousands of injuries each year. In Montana, wildlife crossings have been implemented in several areas to reduce these risks, and now, a new crossing is being proposed on a stretch of Interstate 90 between Alberton and Frenchtown.
The new crossing would be situated near Sixmile Creek, where the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Missoula Regional Connectivity Group are collaborating on the project. Simon Buzzard, wildlife connectivity manager for NWF, explained that the crossing is designed to provide a safer passage for wildlife, reducing the likelihood of collisions, and making travel safer for motorists.
“We are interested in improving a portion of Interstate 90 between Alberton and Frenchtown to be safer for motorists and enhance opportunities for wildlife to cross the interstate,” said Buzzard.
The proposed plan involves creating an open span bridge in the area, making use of the existing landscape between the creek bed and the interstate. By removing excess fill between the creek and the highway, the project aims to minimize the need for additional materials, simplifying the construction process.
While the wildlife crossing proposal has garnered support from local organizations, there is still a lengthy process ahead. The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, which is expected to take about a year to complete. However, there is no certainty that the project will ultimately proceed, as the feasibility study must meet specific criteria for state funding.
Buzzard expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the crossing, citing the opportunity to both protect wildlife and reduce the risk of crashes along this busy corridor.
“The six-mile creek underpass project is an important step toward improving wildlife connectivity and road safety in the region,” Buzzard said.
As the study progresses, local news outlets, including NBC Montana, will continue to provide updates on the status of the wildlife crossing project. If successful, the crossing could play a pivotal role in reducing wildlife-related accidents in Montana and serve as a model for future wildlife crossing projects across the state.
