Western Transportation Institute

A recent study examined the impact of wolf reintroduction on wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) outside Yellowstone National Park. Wolves were reintroduced in 1995–1996, and the study analyzed data from 1989–2021 to assess changes in collision patterns pre and post introduction. Results showed a significant decline in WVCs after the wolves' return, suggesting they reduce WVCs by altering prey species' (like elk) behavior and movement patterns and by lowering prey population density. The findings indicate that apex predator conservation can minimize human-wildlife conflicts, like WVCs, and highlight the potential benefits for wildlife management and road safety. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/exp55JYB

Animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) are a serious concern for motorist safety and pose risks to both wildlife and domestic animals. To help identify collision hotspots and inform mitigation strategies, a WTI researcher performed statistical analyses of AVCs on Montana tribal lands. They revealed that collisions with domestic animals (DAVCs) and wild animals (WVCs) differ in location and consistency.  DAVCs are concentrated near agricultural and grazing areas and are more stable over time, suggesting that they’re influenced by factors such as livestock access points and grazing practices. In contrast, WVC are tied to natural habitats and wildlife corridors, are more variable, and are likely driven by changes in wildlife movement patterns and seasonal behavior.  Tribal lands experience higher rates of DAVCs, likely due to unique factors such as open range grazing and road proximity to grazing lands. This emphasizes the need for more and improved livestock fencing, road signage, and livestock underpasses in high-risk areas to reduce collisions and improve safety for both drivers and animals.  The full report is available at https://lnkd.in/em2iC-F6

Are you exploring alternatives to salt for winter road maintenance? A synthesis on non-chloride (salt-free) deicers reveals cost-efficient, safe, and eco-friendly options. The study includes easy-to-use fact sheets for glycols, formates, acetates, and agricultural products, providing winter maintenance professionals with the information they need to make informed decisions and compare these alternatives to salt brine and rock salt. Access the fact sheets and full report at https://lnkd.in/eFGE8QGP

An audit of transportation plans in Montana’s 10 most populous counties shows that while many include health-related guidance, only those with a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) measure community health impacts. This demonstrates that Montana communities are interested in the impacts of transportation decisions on public health and have an opportunity to further improve decision making by tracking physical and mental well-being over time. Learn more about the findings at https://lnkd.in/eKF-8T58

🚨 Call for Abstracts! 🚨 Are you involved in ITS design and engineering projects for rural areas? This is your opportunity to share your expertise and connect with industry peers at the 20th Annual Western States Rural Transportation Technology Implementers Forum happening June 16–18, 2025, in Yreka, California! Submit your abstract by January 17, 2025, at www.westernstatesforum.org. See you in Yreka!

Montana State University-Bozeman’s Western Transportation Institute has been awarded a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to advance roadway safety in rural and tribal areas in Montana. Announced on November 19, the grant is part of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Program. The funds will support the creation of two county safety action plans, updating regional safety action plans and demonstration projects, and other supplemental planning activities. Thank you to David Kack, Kelvin C.P. Wang, and our staff for their hard work and dedication toward securing this grant!

WTI is happy to announce that we have been awarded a $6.4 million grant as part of a Federal Railroad Administration infrastructure initiative. Thank you to Kelvin C.P. Wang, Susan Gallagher, WTI staff, and our partners.

In February 2024, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Transportation and Development Institute announced WTI Director Kelvin Wang as the ASCE 2024 James Laurie awardee, which recognizes those making groundbreaking advancements in transportation engineering. Dr. Wang has been instrumental in the development of 3D laser imaging of pavements and bridges, and crack/distress recognition using AI. Both techniques are being used by road and airport managers to solve transportation management challenges around the world. Dr. Wang was officially presented with the award at the ASCE International Conference on Transportation and Development in Atlanta in June. https://lnkd.in/enCyevTz

Congratulations to WTI’s Matt Blank and his coauthors! Attraction, Entrance, and Passage Efficiency of Arctic Grayling, Trout, and Suckers at Denil Fishways in the Big Hole River Basin, Montana, was published in Transactions of the American Fisheries Society and recognized as a #topcitedarticle by Wiley. This distinction honors research that generates immediate impact and visibility. The study notes specific engineering solutions for #fishpassages that will improve aquatic connectivity and support the conterminous U.S.'s only indigenous, self-sustaining fluvial population of Arctic Grayling. 🐟 Article: https://lnkd.in/efRYvnq2 More of Matt's research: https://lnkd.in/evVaC4vZ

Ever wonder what would happen if you deiced roads with locally sourced materials? We did! Check out the results of Laura Fay's project, Deicing Field Trails: Use of Locally Sourced Cheese Brine, on the WTI website. https://lnkd.in/eKDrXhGA