Target Completion Date: June 30, 2026 Environment, Planning, and Economics
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted The Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan (Code of Virginia § 29.1-579), which directed VDOT and other state agencies to identify wildlife crossing projects in Virginia by mapping wildlife corridors and identifying areas with a high risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Accurate crash data is critical for identifying strategic opportunities for safety measures, but research shows that police report data underrepresents deer crash volumes by up to nine times. A predictive model that uses a combination of police-reported crashes, roadway attributes, and contextual factors to flag high risk road segments would provide a more realistic indication of risk. This study aims to develop a model to identify road segments at high risk for deer- and black bear-vehicle conflicts. The model will advance the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan’s objective to prioritize wildlife crossing projects and align with the U.S.DOT’s Safe System Approach by proactively improving road safety. A cost-benefit guidance document will be created to complement the road risk model, providing support for funding applications for safety improvement projects. Study deliverables will inform the next WCAP version and be accessible to VDOT staff and stakeholders for planning and safety evaluations.
Last updated: January 7, 2025
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