The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded 19 wildlife crossing projects $110 million in Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grants.
The program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. The strategy’s goal is to achieve zero roadway deaths and serious injuries by preventing crashes from happening.
The program funds projects that reduce wildlife crashes while improving habitat connectivity to sustain the environment.
Annually, there are more than 1 million estimated wildlife vehicle collisions, costing more than $10 billion and causing approximately 200 fatalities and 26,000 injuries.
Awardees include:
The Arizona Department of Transportation received $24 million to install nearly 17 miles of new wildlife fencing on I-17.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation received $24.4 million to build an overpass, several underpasses, and high-barrier wildlife fencing along 30 miles of US 189.
The Colorado Department of Transportation received $22 million to build a dedicated overpass on I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs.
The Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington State received $8.5 million to design and construct a wildlife overpass with fencing on rural State Route 20.
The California Department of Transportation received $8 million to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions and connect animal habitats on US 101.
Pennsylvania received $840,000 to develop a statewide strategic plan with several state agencies addressing challenges and opportunities.