Analysis of Wildlife Vehicle Collisions on MI Trunklines

Task 1. Identify and model occurrences of WVCs on MDOT trunkline statewide utilizing existing data. Obtain and analyze existing data to determine WVC hot spots on MDOT trunkline statewide. Analysis must categorize MDOT trunkline from low to high risk of WVCs; and focus on a suite of wildlife that varies in risk to public safety and species conservation. Analysis is expected to be conducted for species individually and in combination as ecologically relevant.

Task 2. Identify and model wildlife habitats/corridors that intersect MDOT trunkline statewide. Use available wildlife movement, habitat, and landscape data to determine where key crossing locations intersect with MDOT trunkline. WVC crash location information and animal movement datasets will be provided by MDOT and MDNR. Analysis results will include at minimum a description of the intersecting habitat, surrounding land ownership, primary species supported, description of the section of MDOT trunkline, and proximity to existing MDOT structures.

Task 3. Synthesize modeled data into a wildlife crossing hot spot layer and GIS-based web map. Use and analyze data collected from Tasks 1 and 2 to create a prioritized wildlife crossing hot spot layer that can be used in ESRI ArcGIS. This layer will give a priority rating to crash prone locations and motorist safety. Ecological importance of crossing location and synergies for multiple species will also be factored into the prioritization scheme. Following the synthesizing and prioritization of data, the Contractor will create an ArcGIS-based web map to be hosted on MDOTs ArcGIS Online Portal.

Task 4. Conduct field visits to a minimum of the top 20 hot spot locations identified. Conduct field visits for the statewide highest priority hot spot locations identified in the previous project tasks. Field visits will discuss analysis results for respective sites and identify potential mitigation options for these locations. Visits will be made in cooperation with MDOT and MDNR staff, and potentially external entities.

Task 5. Identify solutions and develop decision support tools. Develop a suite of practical, cost-effective solutions to reduce WVCs that will work in Michigan. Potential solutions will include new construction and retrofit options of existing structures, and approaches that promote habitat connectivity using published BMPs. Decision support tools, including a geospatial/GIS tool and a decision support guide, will also be developed.

Task 6. Public outreach events for top identified hot spot locations. Participate in public outreach events to be held in all seven MDOT Regions. The meetings will engage the key public and private stakeholders and solicit feedback on identified crossing locations and proposed mitigation measures that may be implemented in the future.