Roadways that cross wildlife habitats either create a barrier for animals or, if they try to cross them, a danger for both themselves and passing vehicles. Now, with $350 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for their construction poised to roll out in 2023—along with increased funding from states—wildlife crossings built both over and under roadways may soon grow in popularity.
One recent example, found in Washington's Cascade Mountains, is a wildlife crossing spanning Interstate 90, running about 215-ft long and about 150-ft wide. Upon opening in 2018, the $6-million overpass was the largest such structure in North America, according to Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT). Since then, it has proven a key connector for wildlife to nearby Keechelus Lake, providing safe passage for elk, deer, bobcat and cougars. Vehicle collusions involving wildlife on the corridor have plummeted between 80% and 99% since it went into operation, according to WSDOT.