EVALUATION OF 2.4-M FENCES AND ONE-WAY GATES FOR REDUCING DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS IN MINNESOTA

Abstract

Two segments of 2.4-m fence with one-way gates along new Interstate highways in Minnesota were evaluated for 18 months for their effectiveness in reducing deer-vehicle collisions. The fences were 4 and 5.1 km long with 9 and 10 pairs of gates, respectively. Passage by deer through the one-way gates was monitored by the use of baler counters and track beds. Sixty-nine percent of 51 passages through the gates were in a positive direction (from inside the fenced highway corridor to the outside). The reported number of deer hit was reduced 60 and 93 percent from the expected number in the two segments. A benefit-cost ratio of 3.61 appeared most appropriate for use in determining whether to erect such fences. Recommendations are made for design considerations in any future such fence construction. (Author)