1/11/2024 0 Comments Highway underpass wildlife![]() ![]() 160, and a new westbound left-turn acceleration lane, both on U.S. The project also involved highway improvements of a new resurfacing treatment for two miles, an extension of the existing westbound passing lane on U.S. Two miles of 8-foot-tall exclusion fence along both sides of U.S.Wildlife overpass structure just east of the CO 151 intersection at MP 127.3.Wildlife underpass structure just west of the CO 151 intersection at MP 126.8.The two-season construction began in March 2021 and was completed in July 2022. The total cost of the project is approximately $12 million, including design and planning. The construction project was awarded to Ralph L. Colorado Wildlife & Transportation Alliance (partnership & fundraising development).Federal Highway Administration (administration of federal aid & safety funding).Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation ($75,000).Mule Deer Foundation ($100,000 via a private donor, in memory of Glen E.National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ($317,000).Colorado Parks and Wildlife ($750,000, studies, and research).Southern Ute Indian Tribe ($1.3 million, studies, and research). ![]() Colorado Department of Transportation ($9.458 million).The results of those collars hinted at the importance of this particular spot and stretch (of roadway) as a migratory crossing point (for big game) on Highway 160,” said Aran Johnson, Southern Ute tribal wildlife biologist. “Nineteen years ago the tribe deployed its first set of GPS radio collars on mule deer. For example, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe provided support with critical Global Positioning System data which identified seasonal migration patterns and habitat for mule deer and elk in the San Juan Basin area. While many agencies and organizations come forward with valuable project funding, other contributions from various entities may include resources like studies, research, and development plans. Gathering atop the wildlife overpass structure, the Southern Ute Bear Dance Chief offered a special blessing, the Southern Ute Singers drummed an honor song, and government officials spoke, noting the significance and benefits of the highway safety project.Ĭollaborative efforts have leveraged this and other wildlife mitigation projects in Colorado, making the construction of these highway features more feasible for CDOT. The project also included an animal underpass, two miles of exclusion fencing, several earthen escape ramps, and a deer guard at the CO Highway 151 junction.ĭignitaries on hand for the wildlife crossings celebration included the Southern Ute Tribal Chairman and council members, Colorado’s First Gentleman, Federal Highway Administration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and CDOT executive management and regional staff. To help big game find their way across the road, a wildlife overpass was recently built over U.S. The project’s wildlife safety features are expected to reduce those wildlife-vehicle collisions by 85%.Ī busy highway can be a barrier to wildlife movement. Without the mitigation treatment, these numbers were expected to grow as wildlife-vehicle crashes continue to show an increasing trend since 2012. More than 60% of all crashes in the project area are attributed to wildlife-vehicle collisions. “This crossing not only improves safety for our state’s wildlife―animals like mule deer, elk, and bears―but it secures protection for Coloradans in their vehicles,” said Marlon Reis, Colorado’s First Gentleman. The event highlighted the benefits of the project and recognized the partnerships among government agencies, public organizations, nonprofit groups, and private individuals that made the project possible. Last week CDOT hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration atop the wildlife arch over the highway. The wildlife mitigation project will enhance safety for this section of the highway by promoting safer travel for motorists, enhancing the safer movement of wildlife, and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Highway 160 between Durango and Pagosa Springs in southwest Colorado. La Plata and Archuleta Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation recently completed the state’s newest wildlife overpass and underpass on U.S. ![]()
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