Wildlife Detectors Added to Colorado Highway

August 24, 2011

The Colorado Department of Transportation is adding wildlife detectors to the safety improvements it is making to U.S. Highway 550 south of Durango.

Four wildlife escape ramps and five deer guards similar to cattle guards are also being added.

According to the Durango Herald, an underground cable will emit an electromagnetic field that becomes disrupted when large animals such as deer, elk and horses cross the highway. The system then activates electronic signs to warn motorists that wildlife is near the road.