MADISONVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 17, 2025) – Following the weekend’s heavy rainfall, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting the Ohio River to crest at 39.2 feet this weekend, and that is before the arrival of possible heavy snowfall across areas of the state starting tomorrow. As the river nears the 40 feet mark, it creates a situation that often sends large amounts of white-tailed deer out onto U.S. 41 and into traffic.
Deer normally follow trails through the Ohio River bottoms under the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges approach spans, allowing herds to avoid highway traffic. However, when the river approaches about 40 ft. on the Evansville gauge, water cuts off their normal travel routes. The deer are then forced to cross U.S. 41 near Audubon State Park, bringing them into contact with vehicles traveling the busy 4-lane between the 18 and 19 mile marker.
KYTC crews are preparing to place signage in the area near Audubon Park to alert motorists to large numbers of deer crossing the highway. This includes the area of U.S. 41 near the Stratman Road and Wolf Hills Road intersection.
More than 40,000 vehicles travel this section of U.S. 41 in an average day.
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