Montana Launched U.S. 89 Wildlife Safety Study
The state is evaluating crossing improvements to reduce high rates of animal-vehicle collisions along a critical corridor.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Montana Department of Transportation has initiated a feasibility study for a 5.5-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 89. The project aims to address wildlife movement issues in an area where animal-involved accidents occur at significantly higher rates than the state average.
Why it matters
This initiative seeks to improve safety along a vital movement corridor between public lands and the Yellowstone River. By mitigating collision risks, the state hopes to protect both motorists and wildlife populations in this high-traffic region.
The Dome Mountain site recorded 74 crashes and 149 animal carcasses between 2012 and 2021. Proposed safety measures include installing 8-foot-tall wildlife fencing and potential overpasses.
The players
Montana Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, design, and maintenance of Montana's extensive network of highways and bridges.
The details
The study evaluates a 5.5-mile segment between mile markers 16.5 and 22.0, focusing on the Dome Mountain area. Engineers are reviewing options such as wildlife fencing, escape ramps, cattle guards, and modifications to the Point of Rocks Bridge to facilitate safe passage.
Timeline
From 2012 through 2021, the Dome Mountain site recorded 74 wildlife-related crashes.
The feasibility study officially launched on September 23, 2026.
Officials expect the current feasibility study to be completed in 2027.
Roadmap
The project reflects an increasing shift toward wildlife-inclusive civil engineering as state departments balance habitat connectivity with human safety requirements. This study aligns with broader efforts to modernize transit corridors to better manage wildlife migration patterns near busy roadways.
Drivers frequently traversing the U.S. 89 corridor between Livingston and Gardiner may experience future traffic pattern changes as construction planning evolves. These safety improvements are designed to reduce the high frequency of collisions currently affecting local transit and property damage rates.
The takeaway
Wildlife-vehicle collisions remain a significant concern, but long-term infrastructure planning can effectively lower accident rates in migratory corridors. Residents should remain vigilant in high-risk zones while awaiting long-term safety solutions.
What happens next
The department expects to finalize the feasibility study by 2027, which will provide the framework for future environmental reviews and potential pursuit of federal funding.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to manage human-animal encounters on the Wildlife section.
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