Background

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT WILDLIFE–TRAIN COLLISIONS

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The project is a cross-border initiative within the INTERREG programme area Innovative Environments. Partners include the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Enviroplanning AB, Ruralis, and NIBIO, working together with responsible rail authorities (Trafikverket, Jernbanedirektoratet, Bane NOR), train operators (SJ and Norske Tog), technology developers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Wildlife–train collisions have increased significantly over the past two decades. The issue is receiving growing attention in both media and international transport safety discussions. Railway operators are seeking effective solutions that can reduce accident risks while lowering costs associated with repairs, service disruptions, and wildlife losses.

The project therefore investigates how animals can be temporarily deterred from railway tracks in order to prevent collisions. It builds on several years of preparatory research, including pilot experiments, analytical studies, and early technology development. We are now testing the implementation of deterrence principles under real operational conditions involving active railway infrastructure and train traffic, thereby laying the foundation for future commercial technology development.

The project includes trials of both mobile and stationary wildlife deterrence systems.

Mobile Warning

We investigate how train drivers — and thereby railway operators — can reduce collisions by warning or deterring animals that do not leave the track area in time. The system aims to trigger an immediate escape response shortly before a train approaches.

Stationary Warning

We test whether animals can be temporarily deterred from selected railway locations using acoustic signals that communicate danger. Such deterrence approaches can be applied to secure wildlife crossings, fence openings, tunnel entrances, and other high-risk locations.

OBJECTIVES

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The overall objective of the project is to contribute to safer road and railway transport systems in the Nordic region while promoting infrastructure that is better integrated into the surrounding landscape. This integration is essential to maintain natural ecological processes and key ecosystem services, including animal movement and landscape connectivity.

The proposed methods are based on deterring animals from infrastructure only during periods of highest collision risk. Carefully selected acoustic — and potentially visual — signals are used to induce a short-term, controlled flight response immediately before a train passes.

The approach is intended for locations where permanent physical mitigation measures, such as wildlife fencing or crossing structures, are not feasible or where additional safety measures are required.