Colorado bridge cuts wildlife collisions by 91 percent

In Colorado, officials built a 15 million dollar overpass spanning Interstate 25 to help animals safely cross the highway.

The structure measures 64 by 61 meters and includes five underpasses along with fencing guiding wildlife to designated crossing points. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that vehicle collisions with animals on the targeted stretch of highway decreased by 91 percent after the overpass opened.

For decades, Interstate 25 created a barrier to the seasonal migration of animals in Douglas and El Paso counties. The project aimed to restore natural migration corridors disrupted by the road. Bridget O’Rourke, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting the effectiveness of the overpass and underpasses in directing animals to safer routes.