There are an average of 6,000 vehicle collisions with big game in Wyoming, resulting in $20-23 million in wildlife costs and $24-29 million in personal injury costs, according to nonprofit Wyldlife Fund.
A new $30 million wildlife crossing is “anticipated to eliminate 80–90% of wildlife-vehicle collisions” along U.S. Highway 189, according to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
The Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing will help mule deer, pronghorn, and other local species move across one of the most difficult highways in the state — and it’s already ahead of schedule.
The project, which includes 63 miles of eight-foot-tall deer fence, seven underpass structures, one overpass, and a mile of road construction, began construction in July 2026.
Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing was initially expected to be finished in late 2028. Now, the completion date has been changed to Oct. 31, 2027, about a year ahead of schedule.
“Once completed, deer, pronghorn and other wildlife will be able to move safely between seasonal habitats, reducing the number of animals on the roadway and increasing the safety of drivers,” an update from Wyoming Game & Fish reads.
“This project became a top priority due to projected future development and increased traffic along U.S. 189.”
The whole effort is possible thanks to a $24.3 million Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program grant from the Federal Highway Administration, along with $4.2 million in Wyoming Department of Transportation formula funds.
The Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and other nonprofits and partners also contributed $8.8 million to fully fund the project.
As wildlife crossings gain traction, states across the country have further invested funds to expand their building capabilities. The Kemmerer build itself expands existing wildlife crossing efforts across Wyoming.
Others along U.S. 189 include the Dry Piney crossing and Trapper’s Point, the latter of which is currently the largest crossing in the state, stretching 12 miles near Pinedale.
Once completed, the Kemmerer crossing will be more than double in size, a massive 30-mile multi-structure along the highway.
The overpass is anticipated to be complete later this year, while work on the underpasses and fencing will last into the spring of 2027.
“We have enough of these wildlife crossings in Wyoming and across the West to know that if we build these kinds of fences and if we provide a way for animals to pass over or under the highway, mortality is reduced to almost nothing,” retired Game and Fish official Mark Zornes told Cowboy State Daily.
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Featured Image: Courtesy of Wyoming Game & Fish Department
