North America’s largest wildlife overpass is helping animals cross Interstate 25 near Larkspur, Colorado. The bridge opened in December, and results after 10 months show a 91% drop in crashes between vehicles and wild animals. That is slightly better than the 90% reduction transportation officials expected.
The crossing system includes five tunnels under the highway, as well as fences that guide animals toward safe routes. Bears, elk, and smaller animals can cross without entering traffic. The bridge itself measures 200 feet wide and 209 feet long. Before these safety improvements, the stretch of highway between Larkspur and Monument averaged one animal-vehicle crash a day. Fewer crashes have also helped drivers: traffic delays have fallen by 9% because road crews need to close lanes less often after accidents.
Colorado is now examining six additional locations for wildlife overpasses. These plans include the first overpass designed specifically for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Other proposed locations include a site on Interstate 70 at East Vail Pass and another on Interstate 25 just north of the New Mexico border.
