If you haven’t heard already, Colorado just completed their newest Wildlife Underpass in June 2024. It is along I-70 between the Genesee and Lookout Mountain exit. See the map above for more details. The cost of the project was $10.4M.

So, why was this underpass built? This location has a very large number of animal related collisions, making this a location of interest in building an underpass.

How will this underpass help prevent collisions? Without an underpass or overpass, animals will cross the interstate and risk getting into a collision. However, with the implementation of an underpass it is expected that wildlife collisions will decrease by up to 90%. There will also be fencing placed on both sides of the highway to further prevent collisions with wildlife. The underpass gives animals a much safer option of crossing to the other side without having to cross the busy interstate.

What animals would use this underpass? A variety of animals would likely use this underpass including, but not limited to: elk, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions.

Below is a picture of what a wildlife underpass looks like.

Here are some of my thoughts on this: Generally, I think this is great and will prevent many wildlife related collisions. I think the implementation of this underpass will save many wild animals and prevent collisions along with saving people money from medical costs and collision damage.

My concerns: My only concern is if there will be an ongoing monitoring of this underpass. I couldn’t find any information about this from the Colorado Department of Transportation or Colorado Parks and Wildlife. When I say monitoring, I mean implementing the use of cameras or other technology to track how frequently the underpass is used and by what animal species. The monitoring piece is really important because without it we have no idea if the underpass is even being used, when it is being used, or by what animals. Having this information is very important because we can then document it and have a record to be able to reference in the future, in case we need another wildlife underpass in the future. Additionally, with being able to monitor how frequently the underpass is being used and by what species, we can assess how successful the project is. The success portion is also important because if we have documented success of this underpass, then it will be much easier to get funding and get citizens on board in support of another one in the state, if needed.

Overall, many biologists and scientists (including myself) are supportive of wildlife underpass and overpass crossings (including this one) because it helps promote wildlife conservation by giving wildlife a safe option to cross a busy interstate.