The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass, now 50% complete, will become the world’s largest wildlife crossing. It will transform a deadly stretch of highway between Larkspur and Monument in Colorado. With one animal-vehicle collision daily in peak seasons, this project promises a 90% reduction in crashes, making roads safer for both drivers and wildlife. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and CDOT’s Shoshana Lew recently celebrated this milestone, highlighting Colorado’s leadership in conservation.
Project Progress
Reaching that 50% completion mark, crews have completed the structure to support the I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass, including the foundation work of piers, columns, and 76 girders. Crews still need to build bridge superstructure over the girders, pour the concrete bridge deck. Additionally the remaining work includes tying into abutments, building walls, grading slopes, preparing the soil and wildlife landscaping, and installing wildlife fencing.
Once complete, the bridge will be 200 feet wide, 209 feet long, 41,800 square feet (nearly an acre). It’s designed to addresses specific needs for elk and pronghorn that move around in the Greenland area, providing clear and open sight lines for both species. Colorado Department of Transportation expects to have the structure complete in late 2025. If all goes to plan, landscaping and other work will finish in 2026.
Why The Wildlife Overpass Matters for Colorado’s Drivers
While specifically designed to support elk and pronghorn, the I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass will provide safe highway crossing to big game animals like moose, bear, mountain lions, and mule deer in addition to many small animals. More than 100,000 vehicles travel through the area every day, leading to around one wildlife-vehicle crash per day in spring and fall on the stretch.
“This overpass is the final link in a system that will make I-25 safer for both drivers and wildlife. By completing the wildlife crossing network from Castle Rock to Monument, we expect to cut vehicle-animal collisions by 90%. This is an achievement for both public safety and conservation, and it is a result of the support from our federal delegation, Douglas County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and many other partners.” – Shoshana Lew
Traffic Impacts
- Daytime off-peak single climbing lane closures will occur throughout the project.
- August will see nighttime lane closures for overhead bridge work on I-25.
- Nighttime I-25 lane closures will also be possible throughout the process to realign travel lanes.
- Travelers should make sure they’re prepared for road conditions by checking either the COTrip website or app.
- Further information on the project is available through either the information line at 720-257-9544, emailing the project team at i25wildlifeoverpass@gmail.com, or heading to the project website.
