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Senstar’s innovative solution enables real-time alerting for wildlife on highways


Herndon, VA – September 31, 2011 – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has put into operation and continues to test the first-in-the-USA detection system that alerts drivers in real time of wildlife on highways that cause risk to motorists. The system should replace the existing, widely used, but ineffective method of static signs that inform drivers of the potential wildlife "statistic" risk, rather than informing them of the real and immediate presence of animals.

The solution is called OmniTrax® from Senstar which is based on a volumetric electromagnetic proven sensor, buried underground approximately 9 inches and about 30 feet from either side of the roadway. The sensor detects large animals (deer, elk, etc.) crossing over it, locates the position of the intrusion to within three feet and then activates nearby signs, in order to alert drivers approaching the high risk segment.

The current installation covers one mile of the US 160 between Durango and Bayfield in southwest Colorado (around milepost 96), with six signs on each side. Once an animal is detected, the relevant two signs on each side light up.

“CDOT, in coordination with the Division of Wildlife studied many solutions, evaluating their practicality and economic and environmental feasibility,” explains Kevin Curry, a professional engineer with CDOT. “Fencing, permanent signs and lighting were not quite right for this stretch. We needed ways to minimize the impact to the wildlife’s migration while alerting motorists of their presence. We needed a solution with minimal environmental impact.”

Curry says that alternative detection systems using laser beams, microwaves or infrared technology were considered, but due to the potential for false alarms caused by snow, clouds and even tree branches, Omnitrax from Senstar was clearly the best option with its high performance rating and low probability of false alarms.

Paul Trouten, national sales manager for Senstar Inc. says that Omnitrax® is widely used for securing perimeters of strategic facilities, such as airports, military installations, borders, major energy and utilities installations and prisons, around the world.

“CDOT’s pilot project is a new and innovative application for the product” said Trouten. He added that the company has received numerous calls of inquiry based on the Colorado application.

Seven speed radar detectors have also been installed to register motorists’ speed both outside and inside the test zone so that drivers’ base speed and reaction speed can be monitored. The radar system will also monitor traffic counts, useful for follow-up analysis of the data by the CDOT’s Traffic & Safety staff.

The project was awarded a CDOT Research Grant for $150,000 that is going to the Western Transportation Institute of Bozeman, Montana, to independently evaluate the success of the project.

To download a copy of the full case study on this application, visit ...

http://www.senstar.com/index.php?page=content&content=35&nav1=5&nav2=51

Company background:

Senstar is a leading supplier of outdoor perimeter security technology and products for a range of markets. It celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2011 and was named the North American Intrusion Detection Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

About Senstar
Senstar Corporation has been manufacturing, selling and supporting a broad portfolio of perimeter intrusion detection sensor technologies for close to 30 years. In thousands of sites, in more than 80 countries, the company’s products provide reliable detection of intruders as soon as they enter restricted or sensitive areas, giving security forces the advance warning they need to react. Senstar’s products and solutions can be found around the world in airports, borders, ports, VIP residences, military and government sites, correctional facilities, industrial and commercial installations, major utilities and critical infrastructure sites. From sensors to alarm monitoring and control, Senstar is truly a world leader in perimeter intrusion detection technology and products. www.senstar.com