Colorado Wildlife Overpass Reduced Crashes

A new wildlife crossing project on Interstate 25 resulted in a 91 percent decrease in animal-vehicle collisions.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Wildlife

Colorado Wildlife Overpass Reduced Crashes

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The Colorado Department of Transportation reported a 91 percent drop in wildlife-related crashes along the I-25 South Gap corridor following the completion of a major mitigation project in December 2025. The initiative, anchored by the Greenland Wildlife Overpass, successfully protects local elk and pronghorn populations.

Why it matters

The project aims to reconnect wildlife habitats previously fragmented by the busy interstate, fostering safer movement for animals while improving general road safety for commuters. This effort directly addresses the rising conflict between regional transportation infrastructure and migratory corridors.

The mitigation system features five underpasses, 14 miles of fencing, and a 200-by-200-foot overpass that cost $15 million. Four cameras installed by the state track wildlife movement through the newly created crossings.

The players

Colorado Department of Transportation

This state agency manages the infrastructure and safety of Colorado roadways.

The details

The Greenland Wildlife Overpass utilizes a brush berm design to attract skittish species, while the entire I-25 corridor saw an overall 20 percent decline in total vehicle crashes. The Colorado Department of Transportation monitored the effectiveness of these structures using data and cameras collected between 2022 and 2024.

Construction on the South Gap project began in 2018.
Crash and monitoring studies were conducted from 2022 to 2024.
The Greenland Wildlife Overpass was completed in December 2025.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is scheduled for a winter 2026 opening.
Genetic study results are anticipated in spring 2027.

Roadmap

This project represents a growing shift toward wildlife-inclusive infrastructure designs in highway planning across the United States. These crossings are increasingly vital for maintaining healthy populations as state transportation departments prioritize safety and connectivity.

Drivers using the I-25 South Gap corridor benefit from a safer commute with fewer emergency stops for animal strikes. Residents and travelers should note that the overpass and fencing are designed to keep animals off the road, potentially lowering insurance costs related to collision claims.

The takeaway

Wildlife-focused infrastructure represents a functional solution to both environmental conservation and public safety. Integrating these crossings into major highway projects can drastically reduce accident rates for both humans and local wildlife.