{
  "id": 15912078,
  "title": "A New Wildlife Crossing in Colorado Has Already Cut Vehicle Collisions by 91 Percent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/a-new-wildlife-crossing-in-colorado-has-already-cut-vehicle",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-21T15:32:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colossal",
    "slug": "colossal",
    "url": "https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/10/colorado-i25-wildlife-crossing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs is well-known for its treacherous traffic, but the risks extend beyond human drivers. Elks, bears, coyotes, and other wildlife also traverse the highway to access 39,000 acres of vital habitat. Unfortunately, the collision between cars and these animals is a serious concern. That's why the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) decided to build the largest wildlife-only bridge in North America, completing the project in December 2025. The crossing has already proven to be exceptionally effective, with wildlife-vehicle collisions dropping by a remarkable 91 percent within just nine months of its opening. Before the wildlife bridge was constructed, dozens of animals were killed annually, with as many as one per day during migration seasons. The overpass stretches across I-25's six lanes and is completely covered in grass, allowing creatures to move freely between habitats on either side of the highway while reducing the danger and financial burden caused by accidents. This project is part of a growing trend across the United States, with several similar initiatives underway in Colorado, including additional underpasses and smaller bridges. Brandon Marette, a wildlife biologist at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, shared his excitement, stating, \"One of the most heartwarming moments for me was when CDOT sent me a picture of an elk mother taking her calf under I-25.\" Stories and artists like these are crucial, and to support independent arts publishing, become a Colossal Member today for only $7 per month.",
  "summary": "CDOT completed the wildlife-only bridge, the largest of its kind currently in North America, in December 2025. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article A New Wildlife Crossing in Colorado Has Already Cut Vehicle Collisions by 91 Percent appeared first on Colossal .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}