Idaho puts up hazard lights where wildlife and traffic too often collide

Idaho transportation officials think they've come up with a way to keep motorists and moose apart on a mountainous stretch of U.S. Highway 95 north of Moscow. A solar-powered infrared detection system was installed this fall along a 2,200-foot section of the highway on Steakhouse Hill on the west side of Moscow Mountain. At an elevation of 3,050 feet, the area is known for its migrating wildlife. When deer or moose pass through the infrared beam, a flashing beacon goes off to warn drivers that animals may be on or approaching the roadway. The beacon runs for about 40 seconds each time the beam is interrupted by an animal. The beacon is on top of a yellow warning sign that shows the image of a jumping deer. The $200,000 installation was financed by federal economic stimulus funds...read more