Colorado is constructing what will become the world’s largest wildlife overpass, a breakthrough project designed to reunite fragmented habitats and protect both wildlife and motorists along the busy I-25 corridor. Known as the Greenland Wildlife Overpass, this structure will span six lanes of Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, offering elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and other large mammals a safe route across a dangerous stretch of highway (Smithsonian Magazine; Colorado DOT).
Wildlife Overpass Dimensions and Strategic Design
At approximately 200 feet wide and 209 feet long—covering nearly an acre—the overpass connects around 39,000 acres of conserved land in Douglas County with over one million acres of Pike National Forest. Its expansive, gently sloped design, complete with native vegetation, is intentionally crafted to attract large game animals that traditionally avoid enclosed crossings like tunnels (Environment America; Wikipedia: Wildlife crossing).
Why a Wildlife Crossing Is So Critical
This section of I-25 averages one wildlife-vehicle collision per day—highlighting an urgent need for a safer solution. The Greenland Wildlife Overpass, part of an 18-mile network of wildlife crossing infrastructure featuring underpasses and fencing, is projected to reduce such collisions by up to 90 percent. The design addresses the unique behavior of elk and pronghorn, which favor open, natural overpasses over confined passageways (Axios; CPR News).
Construction Milestones, Funding, and Timeline
The $15 million project reached its halfway mark in mid-2025, with piers, girders, and initial structural work completed. Final touches—such as the deck, landscaping, and fencing—are expected to be done by the end of the year, wrapping up in December 2025 and signaling a successful alignment of timing and budget (Colorado DOT news release; BridgeWeb).
Reducing Road Kill and Reconnecting Habitats
Over time, wildlife crossings like this have proven essential for preserving ecological connectivity. Highways disrupt migration routes and isolate populations, but overpasses knit together landscapes and allow free, safe movement. Colorado now boasts over 100 wildlife crossing structures—this new overpass marks its first major step toward large-scale bridging of fractured habitats (Douglas County project overview).
Building Momentum for Wildlife Overpass Solutions Elsewhere
Inspired by successful crossings in Canada and Europe, Colorado’s Greenland overpass stands as a bold demonstration of what’s possible. Following proven success in locations like Banff and Utah, this project offers a scalable blueprint for communities worldwide facing rising threats to wildlife mobility (Pew Article on wildlife crossings).
Investing in Safety, Ecology, and Shared Future
By prioritizing wildlife crossings, Colorado is building infrastructure that lifts both environmental and public safety. This project ensures reliable migration routes for wildlife while minimizing vehicle accidents—a win for nature and people. As development and traffic continue to encroach on natural landscapes, the Greenland Wildlife Overpass serves as a compelling blueprint for how society can weave ecological care into infrastructure design.
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