Colorado's I-25 wildlife overpass cut animal collisions by 91%
Largest wildlife overpass in North America reduced wildlife collision by 91%
Colorado's Greenland Wildlife Overpass, the world's largest single wildlife bridge structure, spans I-25 and has slashed wildlife-vehicle collisions by 91%. A local explains it also connects ranchers to public grazing land and keeps Denver and Colorado Springs from merging. Commenters note the design works because fencing funnels animals onto the bridge — and that Buc-ee's wants to build nearby.
Who would know that if animals don't have to cross the street, people won't crash into them anymore.
- JKCalhoun
I've seen it and a few others on recent road trips.
Additionally, Colorado (and other states) are putting these "animal escape ramps" along the sides of highways.
From what I can gather, a fence runs along the freeway on both sides—presumably to keep the wildlife out. But, I suppose in case an animal makes it into the danger zone, every mile or so there are dirt berms built against the fence that provide a way up and over the fence. Presumably they drop off on the other side so an animal is not as likely to use these in reverse: to get into the danger zone.
Additionally, there are often small partitions at each berm, jutting out from the fence. I imagine an animal following along the fence—when they arrive at the partition, they either go around it and continue, or do the right thing: climb the berm to get to the other side of the fence.
(Apparently called "Jump Outs": https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/news_info/district_news_inf...)
- tobias2014
Practical Engineering has a good video about wildlife crossings (2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mYpQWPtfpo
- ChrisArchitect
Story instead of reddit: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/largest-wildlife-overp...
- morninglight
We need more of these - for pedestrians!
- ChrisArchitect
As expected from the press release at open about 9 months ago. (they estimated 90% reduction https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46321557)
The $15M price tag still seems like a lot. Happy for the critters and motorists tho