Reducing Risks at Railroad and Wildlife Crossings

Exploring how smarter railroad and wildlife crossings can improve safety for motorists and animals

Nov. 10, 2026

2 min read

What You'll Learn

How better information can help drivers make safer decisions at railroad and wildlife crossings.
How grade-crossing improvements can reduce vehicle-train conflicts and traffic delays.
Why effective wildlife crossings require thoughtful design, including fencing, migration patterns and animal behavior.

Episode 58 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast explores how transportation agencies are working to improve safety at railroad crossings and reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife. The hosts discuss Operation Lifesaver’s "See Tracks? Think Train" campaign, highlighting how transit agencies are using digital messaging and station safety initiatives to remind drivers and pedestrians about the dangers of railroad crossings. The conversation also examines grade crossing elimination, potential technology solutions for identifying hazards ahead of trains and the continued need for public awareness

The episode then turns to wildlife crossings, including overpasses, underpasses and fencing designed to help animals safely navigate highways and reconnect fragmented habitats. Gavin, Jessica and Brandon examine projects in Colorado, Wyoming and California, the role of federal funding in expanding these structures and how thoughtful design can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The discussion also considers the importance of migration patterns, collaboration with wildlife conservationists and the need to balance wildlife infrastructure investments with other transportation priorities.