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25 December 2023
To enhance public safety and wildlife habitat connectivity, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has secured a $24 million grant to construct a dedicated wildlife overpass along a previously treacherous stretch of I-17 near Flagstaff.
This 8-mile segment of I-17, situated in the Willard Springs area, currently lacks structures enabling wildlife to safely traverse the freeway. The upcoming 100-foot-wide overpass aims to address this critical issue by providing safe passage for various animals, including elk, deer, foxes, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions.
As Arizona’s population continues to grow, initiatives like wildlife overpasses and underpasses serve a dual purpose. They not only reduce the incidence of wildlife-vehicle collisions, thus safeguarding public safety but also aid in the reconnection of fragmented habitats, enabling wildlife to access vital resources.
Furthermore, the project encompasses the installation of new wildlife fencing, further assisting animals in navigating through fenced sections of the freeway.
The need for such measures is underscored by ADOT’s data, which reveals that 58% of wildlife-related vehicle collisions occurred in this specific freeway section between 2018 and 2022, spanning the region from Flagstaff to Stoneman Lake Road.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant, a vital funding source for this initiative, has garnered considerable support from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Their commitment includes $1.5 million in matching funds, alongside a $750,000 allocation designated for project design.
Additionally, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has granted $1 million through the America the Beautiful Challenge initiative. This, combined with $387,000 in matching contributions, will facilitate the retrofitting of fences along I-17, extending from Munds Park.
Arizona Game and Fish has already had success with wildlife bridges with the desert bighorn sheep super highway over Highway 93. With findings that show that desert bighorn sheep vehicle collisions dropped by at least 85 percent.
Ultimately, this project signifies a promising development in safeguarding the vital habitats of elk, deer, and other wildlife species in northern Arizona, simultaneously enhancing safety for travelers along this critical corridor.
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