Pilot project to protect the M-10 highway from wild animals: how does it work?
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Plans are in place to implement a new wildlife protection system on M-6 Minsk–Grodno highway. A pilot project has already been in operation for about two years on M-10 highway (Russian border–Gomel–Kobrin).
Sergey Kabak, head of the sectoral road laboratory at Belarusian Road Research Institute (BeldorNII), spoke about this during the BELTA project "The Country Speaks."
What the system is:
▪️Motion sensors are installed in the opening of the fencing; when an animal approaches the roadway, a signal is sent to a variable-message road sign, causing it to light up and alert drivers
▪️ on the approaches to the crossing, strips of coarse crushed stone are made - this creates discomfort for hoofed animals so that they do not want to jump over this surface treatment
▪️ Lighting has been installed that simultaneously illuminates the area and deters animals from entering the enlightened space
In addition, so-called "Texas gates" will be used on M-6 section. This design addresses the issue of junctions and crossings where standard fencing is less effective: a special plate creates discomfort for the animal, causing it to turn back.
◽️ The ends of the fencing will also be equipped with special one-way valves. This will prevent animals from wandering onto the road after reaching the end of the barrier; the valve will allow an animal to move into the forest but prevent it from entering the highway from that direction.
