Every day, around 100,000 drivers travel on Colorado’s Interstate 25, while moose, mountain lions, deer, bears, and pronghorns freely roam. They’re quite literally flapping their hooves in excitement over a new development.
The Greenland Wildlife Overpass, a beautiful bridge that crosses the busy highway between Castle Rock and Monument, offers a designated passage for wildlife. It stretches across 200 by 209 feet, bridging 39,000 acres of previously disconnected habitats, as stated by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Set to open in December, this overpass is noteworthy—it’s the largest of its kind in North America. It was constructed in response to concerning statistics: there was, on average, one wildlife-vehicle collision daily along the same section of Interstate 25, which often led to tragic outcomes.
Mary Rodriguez, 43, shared her personal loss. Her father, Victor, was killed when a moose collided with a passing vehicle, leading to a harrowing scene as the animal crashed through the windshield. “He was killed immediately,” Mary recounted, struggling with the weight of her grief.
In 2021, a bipartisan infrastructure law was passed, recognizing a troubling reality of over a million wildlife-vehicle collisions every year across the U.S.
“The Interstate 25 Greenland Overpass is a monumental feat,” remarked Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “Colorado is leading the way in efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and protect critical habitat for future generations.”
The project was funded with $22 million from the federal government and an additional $8 million from state resources, yet it was completed in just one year, with a total cost of approximately $15 million.
“We’re looking into how to reinvest the remaining funds in the corridor. One of our needs is to put up wildlife fencing along the highway,” noted Chuck Attardo, director of environment for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
This overpass is part of the larger $419 million I-25 South Gap project, which aims to cut down animal-vehicle collisions by 90 percent. It involves renovating 18 miles of corridors that will feature four additional wildlife crossings and 45 miles of deer fencing. The overpass addresses a critical gap on one of Colorado’s busiest highways, according to CDOT.
Originally designed with elk and pronghorn in mind, it has since attracted smaller species too.
Despite the challenges, other states are following suit. For example, California is working on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Facility, which has faced financial hurdles. Meanwhile, a successful $23 million overpass near San Antonio, Texas, has made a positive impact, with at least 19 states now constructing wildlife crossings.
In New York, conservationists are focusing on the Adirondack Northway I-78 for a new crossing structure due to high crash rates. Efforts have even led to the installation of a “life shelf” in a culvert on Route 12 to facilitate safe passages for species like bobcats.
Looking ahead, a new wildlife crossing culvert at Wellesley Island State Park in Jefferson County is slated to open in 2024.
“It keeps drivers safe and it keeps animals safe,” Rodriguez expressed. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
