CDOT completes I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass near Larkspur

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — Elk, pronghorn, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions and other wildlife can now cross Interstate 25 safely on the newly completed Greenland wildlife overpass near Larkspur, the largest wildlife overpass in North America.

The Colorado Department of Transportation completed construction on the overpass earlier this month, including covering the structure with dirt and vegetation to create a natural landscape for wildlife. The project was completed in less than a year, ahead of schedule and on budget.

The overpass spans six lanes of interstate traffic and connects roughly 39,000 acres of habitat on both sides of I-25 between Larkspur and Monument, an area long known for heavy wildlife movement.

“Colorado is leading the way in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving safety for both our motorists and wildlife,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “The I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass is a momentous feat in our continued work to expand safe transportation options for both humans and wildlife, protecting critical habitat and our amazing outdoor spaces for generations to come.”

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said the overpass is critical to public safety and wildlife conservation.

“The I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass is critical to the safety of both wildlife and motorists,” Lew said. “The overpass is an essential component of the wildlife crossing system in this area, which is expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%.”

The Greenland overpass fills a 3.7-mile gap between existing wildlife crossings. It completes the system of underpasses and fencing built as part of the I-25 South Gap project, which improved 18 miles of interstate between Castle Rock and Monument. Before the system was installed, the corridor averaged about one wildlife-vehicle crash per day during peak fall and spring migration seasons.

CDOT research shows that both large and small mammals are already using five nearby underpasses. The Greenland overpass, however, was specifically designed for species such as elk and pronghorn, which prefer wide, open structures.

The location was selected to connect established wildlife corridors and preserved open space near reliable water sources, in an area with a historically high level of large-game movement.

The project was made possible through a multi-agency partnership that included the Federal Highway Administration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County, the Douglas Land Conservancy and the Colorado Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust. Most of the funding came from a federal grant through the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.

“In Douglas County, we take great pride in being responsible stewards of our resources, including our natural spaces and wildlife,” Commissioner George Teal said. “Since 1996, our county, in partnership with CDOT, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and FHWA, has been safeguarding the wildlife habitat along the I-25 corridor. The completion of this wildlife crossing is a tremendous milestone, and we congratulate everyone who has been a part of this effort, which also benefits public safety and transportation.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said the overpass marks the culmination of nearly a decade of planning.

“After more than nine years of planning and work, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited for Colorado’s wildlife to utilize this overpass,” CPW Area Wildlife Manager Matt Martinez said. “We look forward to deer, elk, bears, mountain lions and many other species safely crossing I-25, once a major barrier to migration and wildlife movements. In collaboration with our partners at CDOT, Douglas County, Douglas Land Conservancy and other stakeholders, wildlife overpasses and underpasses along I-25 will reconnect large tracts of open space along the southern Douglas County I-25 corridor.”

Other facts:

• The overpass is the largest wildlife bridge in North America and one of the largest in the world, measuring 200 feet wide and 209 feet long and covering 41,800 square feet, nearly an acre.
• The structure is supported by 76 girders.
• Species expected to use the crossing include moose, bears, mountain lions, elk, mule deer, pronghorn and smaller animals.
• More than 100,000 vehicles travel through this stretch of I-25 each day.