Every day, more than 100,000 vehicles travel up and down Interstate 25, a freeway that connects major cities in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
The six-lane highway is also a crucial crossing point for countless elk, pronghorn, mule deer, mountain lions, and black bears — and now, thanks to the Colorado Department of Transportation, they can travel across 39,000 acres of open habitat in peace.
On December 16, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the completion of the I-25 wildlife overpass.
“Colorado is leading the way in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, and improving safety for both our motorists and wildlife,” Polis said in a press release.
“The I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass is a momentous feat in our continued work to expand safe transportation options for both humans and wildlife, protecting critical habitat, and our amazing outdoor spaces for generations to come.”
At 200 feet wide and 209 feet long — and encompassing roughly an acre of space — it is now the single largest bridge structure for wildlife in North America and one of the largest in the world.
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew emphasized that the overpass was a protective measure for both local wildlife populations and the tens of thousands of motorists who travel the freeway every day.
“The overpass is an essential component of the wildlife crossing system in this area, which is expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.
For years, the overpass has been known for its high movement of large mammals. It’s also in good proximity to water sources that have proven vital to the survival of local wildlife.
“After more than nine years of planning and work, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited for Colorado’s wildlife to utilize this overpass,” said Matt Martinez, the area wildlife manager of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“We look forward to deer, elk, bears, mountain lions and many other species safely crossing I-25, once a major barrier to migration and wildlife movements.”
According to Colorado Commissioner George Teal, the CDOT, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Federal Highway Administration have been “safeguarding the wildlife habitat along the I-25 corridor” since 1996.
“In Douglas County, we take great pride in being responsible stewards of our resources — including our natural spaces and wildlife,” Teal said.
“The completion of this wildlife crossing is a tremendous milestone, and we congratulate everyone who has been a part of this effort, which also benefits public safety and transportation.”
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Header image via the Colorado Department of Transportation
