Colorado Completed Wildlife Overpass Near Larkspur

The structure successfully reduced animal-vehicle collisions by 91 percent since its completion in December 2025.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration showing a grassy wildlife overpass bridge connecting two mountain ridges, evoking a vintage travel-poster style. — The Greenland Wildlife Overpass near Larkspur has reduced animal-vehicle collisions by 91 percent since its completion in December 2025, according to Colorado officials. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should government prioritize spending on wildlife crossings over other transportation infrastructure projects?

Colorado officials finalized the Greenland Wildlife Overpass near Larkspur in December 2025 to reconnect habitat for local wildlife. The bridge serves as a critical link in the I-25 South Gap project, significantly decreasing animal-traffic accidents along the interstate.

Why it matters

The project addresses a 3.7-mile gap where prior infrastructure was unable to prevent frequent contact between wildlife and vehicles. By bridging 39,000 acres of habitat, the overpass aims to preserve regional biodiversity while enhancing safety for the 100,000 vehicles that pass beneath it daily.

The Greenland Wildlife Overpass spans 209 feet long by 200 feet wide, covering nearly one acre of land supported by 76 girders. Construction of the bridge cost $15 million, part of the broader $419 million I-25 South Gap infrastructure project.

The players

Colorado Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for the planning, design, and maintenance of Colorado's multi-modal transportation systems.

The details

Workers installed native seeds and dirt across the bridge deck to replicate the natural landscape, while strategic fencing funnels animals toward the crossing rather than toward the highway. This structure functions as the final component of an 18-mile corridor upgrade meant to secure migratory paths.

December 2025: The Greenland Wildlife Overpass was officially completed.
September 2026: CBS Colorado published collision reduction data.

Roadmap

This project reflects a growing statewide commitment to wildlife infrastructure, with Colorado now operating more than 100 such structures. It aligns with broader national efforts to restore connectivity in fragmented habitats, mirroring international models like those found in Banff National Park.

Drivers traveling between Castle Rock and Monument can expect significantly fewer hazards related to wildlife crossing the interstate. These infrastructure improvements contribute to safer daily commutes and preserve the natural migration patterns of local animals across the region.

The takeaway

Wildlife crossings effectively mitigate the conflict between expanding transit networks and natural migration corridors. These structures demonstrate that strategic engineering can successfully protect both human motorists and local wildlife populations.