New Wildlife Overpass Under Construction on I-17

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Construction site of the new wildlife overpass aimed at reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions.

News Summary

A new wildlife overpass is being constructed south of Flagstaff on Interstate 17 to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions, particularly with elk and deer. The $15.8 million project, funded mainly by a federal grant, features a 100-foot wide crossing and 16 miles of fencing to guide animals. Construction is expected to improve safety for both motorists and wildlife, while also providing significant economic benefits to the local community. The overpass is set for completion by fall 2026 and follows successful implementations of similar structures in the region.

Arizona – A new wildlife overpass is currently under construction south of Flagstaff on Interstate 17, aimed at reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions, particularly those involving elk and deer. This significant project has a total cost of $15.8 million, primarily funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.

The wildlife overpass is designed to span approximately 100 feet wide, accommodating a variety of animals, including elk, deer, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions. To further ensure safety for both wildlife and drivers, the construction plan includes the installation of 16 miles of fencing (8 miles on each side of I-17) to guide animals to the crossing. Additionally, several elk escape ramps will be incorporated to provide safe exit points for animals that may find themselves trapped near the highway.

Currently, construction efforts are focused on pouring fittings for the escape ramps and installing the surrounding fencing. SEMA Construction, Inc., the project contractor, emphasizes local hiring, ensuring that funding circulates within the Northern Arizona community. Approximately 350 truckloads of concrete necessary for the project will be supplied by CEMEX, which operates a batch plant in Flagstaff. It is projected that the entire project will inject $15.8 million into the Northern Arizona economy, benefitting local businesses and suppliers during the construction phase.

This segment of I-17 is particularly important as it has been the site of 58% of all wildlife-vehicle collisions reported from 2018 to 2022. Past studies have shown that the implementation of a similar wildlife crossing on State Route 260 resulted in an 84% decrease in elk-vehicle collisions within one year. This indicates a hopeful outlook for the Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass, which is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. It is expected that the economic benefits will continue to be felt for at least two construction seasons.

In light of ongoing construction, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) urges drivers to slow down and stay alert in the active construction zones. Changes in travel time may occur, including temporary crossovers to manage traffic flow effectively. Though there is significant reporting on collisions, it is estimated that more than 100 elk and deer are killed annually on I-17, with many incidents going unreported, especially those involving commercial vehicles.

In preparation for optimizing wildlife safety, over the past few years, more than 200 elk near Flagstaff have been fitted with GPS collars to track herd movements and assess collision incidents. The location of the Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass was chosen based on collaboration between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and ADOT, which reviewed significant wildlife-vehicle collision data to determine the most strategic placement of the crossing.

Wildlife will likely take a few years to adapt to the new crossing, as animals establish movement patterns leading them toward the structure. The project not only aims to improve road safety by reducing the likelihood of vehicle-wildlife collisions but also aims to foster a more harmonious coexistence between local wildlife and the surrounding infrastructure.