A Safe Passage for Wildlife: How Colorado is Pioneering Wildlife Crossings

New Federal Funding to Build Life-Saving Wildlife Crossings is Now Available

Building Bridges for Wildlife: Colorado’s Innovative Solution to Reducing Animal-Vehicle Collisions

How Colorado is Pioneering Wildlife Crossings

In a remarkable stride towards both environmental conservation and public safety, a new wildlife crossing on U.S. Highway 160 between Durango and Pagosa Springs was completed in 2022. This innovative project aims to significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by offering safe passage for animals such as mule deer and elk.

Highway 160 has long been a hotspot for wildlife collisions, with data from 2021 showing 75 deer and three elk involved in vehicle collisions at the site of the new crossing. This section of the road was identified as a critical area for intervention by Colorado Parks and Wildlife due to the high incidence of animal-vehicle accidents.

The new wildlife crossing, located approximately 13 miles west of Pagosa Springs, features both an overpass and an underpass to accommodate animal movements. The overpass stands 23 feet high at its center, 72 feet wide, and 100 feet long. The underpass is designed with a 13-foot-high ceiling, is 37 feet wide, and 78 feet long. These structures aim to guide animals safely across the highway without disrupting their natural migration patterns.

The project, costing $12 million, is a collaborative effort involving the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and other agencies. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe contributed $1.3 million towards the design and construction, aligning the crossing with deer and elk migration routes through extensive data and staff expertise.

Beyond the wildlife crossing, the project includes several other safety measures. Wildlife fencing and “jump-outs” provide escape routes for animals that find themselves on the highway. Additionally, road improvements such as extending the westbound passing lane, constructing a left-turn acceleration lane, and resurfacing a 2-mile stretch of highway were included, enhancing overall traffic safety in alignment with Governor Jared Polis’ 10-year transportation plan.

According to Tony Cady, planning and environmental manager for CDOT, wildlife mitigation structures like these can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 85% to 90%. This reduction not only saves wildlife but also significantly cuts down on property damage, medical costs, and other economic impacts. In Region 5 alone, which includes Archuleta and La Plata counties, 2,171 wildlife-vehicle collisions were reported last year, with deer being the most frequently affected.

The wildlife crossing is the culmination of nearly two decades of research and planning. Aaron Johnson, a wildlife biologist for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, highlighted the long-term efforts that led to this project. Initial studies using radio collars on mule deer 19 years ago indicated the importance of this area as a migratory crossing point. Subsequent models and data consistently pointed to Highway 160 as a critical intervention site.

Highway 160 Wildlife Crossing – Colorado

The successful completion of this wildlife crossing serves as a model for similar projects nationwide. By addressing both conservation and safety, it exemplifies how infrastructure can harmoniously integrate with natural landscapes to protect wildlife and humans alike. As Shoshana Lew, state transportation director, noted, the integration of wildlife features with essential roadway improvements represents a comprehensive approach to modernizing rural roads and enhancing safety standards statewide.

The new wildlife crossing on Highway 160 is more than just a bridge for animals—it’s a bridge between conservation efforts, public safety, and cultural heritage. As Marlon Reis, Colorado’s first gentleman, observed during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the crossing is poised to become a “wildlife freeway” benefiting countless species. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Colorado.

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