Elk NetworkWildlife Crossings Improve Safety in Colorado

General | April 24, 2017

The Colorado Department of Transportation reports more than 3,000 collisions happen every year between vehicles and wildlife. The results are often deadly for both wildlife and people.

To help improve public safety, the state erected a series of wildlife crossings on Colorado Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling, one of the busiest wildlife corridors in the state.

Two overpass bridges and five underpasses allow deer, elk and other wildlife to safely cross the highway without risk to motorists. The project also includes more than 20 miles of fencing along with openings to guide wildlife into the crossings. Architects also designed more than 60 escape ramps in case wildlife gets trapped on the highway.

The project is the first of its kind in Colorado.