A wildlife crossing system, including a 61m wide overpass, will cut collisions between animals and vehicles by 90% on a stretch of major road, according to Colorado Department of Transportation.

Conceptual simulation of the Greenland Wildlife Overpass showing a herd of Elk crossing over I-25. Credit: CODOT

The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass will accommodate big game animals such as elk, prong horn and mule deer. It connects wildlife corridors, and preserves open space and access to water.

The overpass, which has gently ramped approaches to invite wildlife to use it, completes the system of underpasses and fencing which improves the road between Castle Rock and Monument. Smaller animals use the underpasses, but larger animals avoid such enclosed structures, preferring clear sightlines.

I-25, also known as the Pan-American Freeway has six lanes and runs 1,700km north-south between Buffalo, Wyoming and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The USA’s Department of Transportation provided the bulk of the funding for the project and this is one of nineteen such crossings across the USA.