New technical measures to prevent animal collisions
The project is a cross-border initiative by relevant authorities, companies, and universities to find new technical solutions to reduce animal collisions on railways.
Animal collisions on railways have increased over the past 20 years, and the problem is gaining more attention in the media, both nationally and internationally. Train operators are seeking effective solutions to reduce the risk of accidents and lower costs for repairs, traffic disruptions, and animal losses.
Therefore, we are studying how animals can be temporarily diverted from the railway to prevent collisions. The project builds on several years of preparatory studies, including results from pilot experiments, analyses, and some technological development. We are testing the implementation of solution principles in real operational environments (railways, trains) and laying the foundation for future commercial technology development.
The project includes trials with mobile and stationary deterrent systems.
We are studying how train drivers and operators can avoid animal collisions by warning/scaring animals that do not have enough time to leave the tracks.
2) Stationary Wildlife Warning
We are testing whether animals can be temporarily scared away from the track area at selected locations using sound and light signals that indicate danger. Deterrent stations can be further developed to secure, for example, wildlife crossings, fence openings, and tunnel entrances.
Goal
The central goal of the project is to contribute to creating safer road and railway transport in the Nordic countries, with infrastructure that is well integrated into the landscape so that natural processes and important ecological services (such as animal movements in the landscape) can be maintained. The methods are based on diverting animals from the infrastructure only when the accident risk is highest. This will be achieved through selected acoustic (and possibly visual) signals that create a short but controlled flight response in the animals just before the train passes. The method should be applicable where physical measures such as wildlife fences or wildlife passages are not possible or need to be complemented.
Collaboration
The project is a cross-border initiative within the INTERREG area ”Innovative Environments” where SLU, Enviroplanning AB, Ruralis, and Nibio, together with the relevant authorities (Trafikverket, Jernbanedirektoratet, BaneNOR), train companies (SJ, Norske Tog), technology developers, and other relevant stakeholders, are developing and testing new technical solutions to prevent wildlife collisions on railways. There is significant added value in working along the railway networks in both countries due to differences in topography, climate, fauna, and regulations.
Contact Persons:
Sverige – Andreas Seiler (SLU) och Mattias Olsson (Enviroplanning AB)
Norge – Aina Winsvold (Ruralis) och Svein-Morten Eilertsen (NIBIO)
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About Project
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