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State Works to Stop Crashes at Common Elk-crossing on I-90

Montana Department of Transportation is considering a $1.5 million fencing project

By Dillon Tabish

DRUMMOND — Montana transportation officials are working to solve a decades-old problem on elk in Interstate 90 in Granite County.

The Missoulian reports that the Montana Department of Transportation is considering a $1.5 million fencing project to funnel roaming elk under the interstate at existing underpasses in the eight-mile stretch between Drummond and Jens.

MDT Director Mike Tooley says the fencing project would serve as both a safety measure and interstate maintenance.

The project comes after Duane Carlton, of Bozeman, died on June 6 when his motorcycle collided with an elk in the stretch.

Wildlife officials say more elk are on highways as the most recent elk count was over 1,200 in the hunting district quarter in the Drummond area, well above the movement goal of 800 to 1,200 for the whole hunting district.