Colorado Wildlife Overpass Cuts I-25 Vehicle Animal Collisions by 91 Percent

Animal collisions on Interstate 25 near Larkspur, Colorado, have fallen by 91 percent following the opening of North America's largest wildlife overpass, Good News Network reported. The structure opened in December and spans six lanes of highway traffic. [1]

The bridge spans 200 feet in width and 209 feet in length, covering 41,800 square feet, according to Good News Network. Data collected ten months after the bridge opened shows that bears, elk, moose, and other local wildlife are actively using the pathway to navigate safely. [1]

Wildlife crossings are built as overpasses, underpasses, viaducts, or tunnels to allow animals to traverse human-made barriers safely. These structures help mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions, which are a major subject of research aimed at improving road safety and preserving local fauna. [3][4]

Following the success of the Larkspur bridge, six additional locations are currently being scouted for future wildlife overpass construction, Good News Network reported. [1]