Colorado wildlife overpass cuts deadly crashes by huge amount
Colorado officials report that a new wildlife overpass has successfully reduced vehicle and animal collisions by 91% since finishing ten months ago.
The structure functions as a bridge spanning a busy stretch of interstate highway to assist various animals crossing safely. It serves as the main part of a wider network constructed to help wildlife move freely across roads.
Before construction began, daily wildlife vehicle accidents occurred frequently within this specific corridor. Such crossings are now appearing across the country to protect habitats and reduce injuries for both humans and animals.
The bridge spans six lanes of traffic and links land on either side of the road to protect thirty nine thousand acres. It measures two hundred feet wide and two hundred nine feet long with gradually sloped entrances designed to ease crossings.
Large game animals prefer these expansive structures allowing them to view the landscape for miles in every direction. Smaller wildlife including mule deer and frogs have also been tracked using this new corridor for safe passage daily.