Sure, you have seen highway overpasses while driving. They are used either by people or other vehicles. However, do you know that an overpass can also be used by animals? Yes, there are actually some wildlife overpasses for animal crossing out there. No crossing guard is needed.
A Growing Problem
As cities grow, more roads are built. Many of these new roads go through places where wildlife already exists, and this of course created a problem. Wildlife-Vehicle Collision (WVC) is the term used when animals and vehicles encounter each other on roads. This type of accident has been fatal for humans as well as animals, on many occasions.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are about 725,000 to 1.5 million WVCs every year, in the United States. Additionally, over 200 people are reported dead as a consequence of these crashes. These Wildlife Vehicle Collisions cause more than a billion dollars in property damage annually. (1)
Animals’ lives are also lost when this type of accident occurs. According to Utah’s Department of Transportation (UDOT), from 106 recorded Wildlife Vehicle Collisions, 98 deer, three moose, two raccoons, two elk, and one cougar were killed.
Wildlife Overpass Solution
Due to the increase in WVCs, Utah’s Department of Transportation came up with the idea of constructing one of the largest overpasses to be used by animals, in Utah. The Wildlife Overpass is located in a section of the Interstate 80 (I-80), called “Slaughter Row” because of the number of collisions in its 13 miles stretch.
Aided by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah’s Department of Transportation mapped the area and found the best location to build the wildlife overpass, based on animal migration patterns. Since 2018, the 320-foot long by 50-foot wide wildlife overpass stands over all six lanes of the I-80. Guiding animals to safely cross to the other side of the road. Logs and boulders were placed along the passage to blend with the natural surroundings to encourage animals to use it.
Good Early News
Though scientists predicted that it will take a couple of years for animals to start using the newly built passage, and set five years to gather the results of the project. They were pleasantly surprised when they notice early animal-crossing activity.
After just one year, videos showing deer, moose, coyotes, and cougars crossing the bridge got the Utah Division of Wildlife, as well as UDOT, excited. The plan for increasing the safety of individuals and animals alike was working better than expected.
The good news kept coming. The following year, footage showed that bears and porcupines join in the wildlife overpass crossing adventure. (2)
Why Wildlife Overpass Matter
As animals get more of their natural habitat disrupted by human progress. It is vital to incentivize the development of wildlife overpasses, especially in areas where Wildlife Vehicle Collisions occur often. Studies had proved, that the creation and use of these wildlife overpasses can not only protect but also increase the richness and density of the species in the area. (3)
It is more important, that the deer, bear, raccoon, cougar, porcupine, and elk cross the road safely than why they crossed it.
