THE’I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass was completed and inaugurated. The largest animal bridge in North America, which will protect wildlife and motorists, is now available to delicate local ecosystems, the Department of Transport of the US state.
Moose, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, black bears, cougars and a variety of other species can now cross the wildlife overpass near Larkspurthe largest wildlife overpass in North America. The project was completed in less than a year, ahead of schedule and within budget.
The facility spans six lanes of traffic, connecting 39,000 acres of habitat on both sides of I-25 between Larkspur And Monument.
“Colorado is leading the way in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving safety for both our motorists and wildlife,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass is a landmark undertaking as we continue to work to expand safe transportation options for both humans and wildlife, protecting critical habitat and our beautiful open spaces for future generations.
Wildlife and car accidents also plague our country, where structures like this could truly save the lives of humans and other living species.
The overpass, strategically positioned to bridge the 6km gap from other wildlife crossings, is expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90 percent. Before the system was built, there was an average of one wildlife-vehicle crash per day during the autumn and spring seasons, while Department studies now show the five underpasses are being successfully used by large and small mammals.
After more than nine years of planning and work, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited for Colorado’s wildlife to use this overpass,” said Matt Martinez, wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We look forward to seeing deer, elk, bear, cougars and many other species safely cross I-25, once a major barrier to wildlife migration and travel.
The overpass is the largest wildlife bridge structure in North America and one of the largest in the world, at 61 meters wide and 63 meters long with 76 beams supporting it, covering an area of 3,800 square metres.
Among the wild animals that will use the overpass are large animals such as moose, bears, pumas, wapiti, mule deer and pronghorn, as well as smaller animals, which will thus be able to avoid car traffic, which is very intense in this area, with over 100,000 vehicles per day.
