Colorado's giant I-25 wildlife overpass cut animal-vehicle collisions by 91% in its first 10 months
The Colorado Sun has the numbers, plus the first pronghorn seen crossing the interstate in decades.
What happened: Drivers used to hit a wild animal about once a day on the stretch of Interstate 25 between Larkspur and Monument, between Denver and Colorado Springs. In the roughly 10 months since North America's largest wildlife overpass opened there, drivers have hit two animals, according to state wildlife and transportation officials. That's a 91% drop. The $15 million system includes a 209-by-200-foot bridge, five underpasses and miles of fencing that steer animals to the crossings.
Why it matters: Trail cameras show elk, deer, bears, rabbits and protected northern leopard frogs using it. In June, biologists confirmed a pronghorn crossing the interstate for the first time in 20 to 30 years. Fewer crashes also mean safer drives. More crossing sites are now being scouted around Colorado.
How much agreement is there? Broad agreement. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says crossings like this are "statistically proven" to work. The main limit is cost and where to build next.
Could someone help? Drivers can help right now: officials warn collisions spike when daylight saving time ends, because earlier sunsets line up with evening rush hour and animal migration.
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Wildlife crossing
After exploring North America's largest wildlife overpass is working. I-25 collisions near Castle Rock are down 91%., for the other kinds of crossings around the world, try Wildlife crossing.
An overview of structures that help animals cross human-made barriers safely: underpasses, overpasses or green bridges, amphibian tunnels, fish ladders and canopy bridges.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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