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Colorado wildlife overpass cuts vehicle-animal collisions by 91% in first 10 months

Confirmed1 source · Oct 19, 2026

A $15 million bridge spanning Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs has enabled elk, pronghorn, deer, and smaller species to cross safely, addressing decades of collision issues in a high-traffic corridor.

Colorado wildlife overpass cuts vehicle-animal collisions by 91% in first 10 months
Image via The Guardian

What happened

Colorado completed a wildlife overpass across Interstate 25 that has reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by 91% since opening 10 months ago. The structure, measuring 200 feet wide and 209 feet long with gradual sloped entrances, spans six lanes and connects 39,000 acres of habitat on both sides. Prior to construction, the corridor averaged one wildlife-vehicle crash per day. Video tracking has documented elk with calves, pronghorn (crossing for the first time in decades on the west side), mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, frogs, and threatened Preble's meadow jumping mice using the overpass. The project cost $15 million to complete, funded by $22 million in federal money and $8 million in state funding.

Context

Wildlife overpasses are being deployed across the US to protect habitat connectivity and reduce collisions that cause injuries and deaths in both animals and humans. Research indicates such structures nearly eliminate accidents in their corridors and often recoup costs through prevented crash expenses. Large game like elk and pronghorn require open structures with long sight lines, as enclosed underpasses restrict mobility and don't accommodate antlers. The Colorado crossing is currently the largest wildlife overpass in the country. State officials indicate the project's success may prompt construction of additional wildlife crossings elsewhere in Colorado.