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US 70 Multimodal Corridor Study <br /> 4.1.2.2 Animal Crashes <br /> Crash data analysis indicates there were 67 animal crashes (8% of total crashes) in the corridor. Segment B and <br /> Segment C had the most animal crashes with 26 and 25, respectively, and most of these were concentrated <br /> north of Hillsborough. As detailed in the 2019 report,A Landscape Plan for Wildlife Habitat Connectivity in the <br /> Eno River and New Hope Creek Watersheds, these crashes represent not only a danger to drivers and <br /> passengers.The crashes, along with the barrier created by the roadway itself, are a substantial threat to critical <br /> ecosystems and the wildlife they support. The Eno River and New Hope Creek-Jordan Lake watersheds are <br /> home to ecologically important habitats supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Development <br /> and climate change cause habitat fragmentation and loss. To survive, animal species must be able to move <br /> within and between remaining high-priority wildlife habitats. Functional ecosystems require a connected <br /> network of habitats and corridors for movement. In addition to sustaining diverse wildlife populations, such <br /> connections can benefit water quality, native plants, working farms and forests, and public health and safety. <br /> Figure 6 indicates critical wildlife crossing locations in Segments C, D, and E of the US 70 Corridor. The <br /> Landscape Plan identifies criteria for barrier roads and potential crossing locations, along with potential <br /> actions to preserve and enhance connectivity within and between wildlife habitats. This information will help <br /> guide design recommendations for US 70 that will benefit both traffic safety and the environment. <br /> 19 Existing Conditions and Critical Issues <br />