Arizona is building its 27th wildlife crossing. Altogether, they've reduced collisions by 90%

Arizona sees about 1,270 reported collisions between vehicles and wildlife each year. To combat this, the state is investing more in wildlife crossings.

Earlier this year, Arizona's government approved a budget that includes $700,000 annually for planning and building these crossings. This funding comes as the state's Department of Transportation builds its 27th highway wildlife crossing.

The Willard Springs Overpass

The new Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass is a 100-foot-wide bridge over Interstate 17, south of Flagstaff. It will span all four lanes of the highway.

The overpass will have tall barriers on its sides. It will also include eight miles of new fencing, native plants, and ramps to guide animals safely across.

Crews are installing miles of tall fencing on both sides of the overpass. This fencing will act like a funnel, directing animals to the crossing.

Construction paused for winter but is expected to finish by fall 2026. The project cost $15.8 million, funded by the state's DOT and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Its main goal is to reduce crashes involving large animals like elk and deer.

The Game and Fish Department chose this spot after studying elk movements. They tracked radio-collared elk as they migrated, searched for food, and found mates.

Over half of the collisions on this part of the road in the last four years involved wildlife. This led the state to use a solution they knew worked.

Arizona's Successful Crossings

Arizona already has 26 dedicated highway wildlife crossings. It also has many underpasses and a canal network for wildlife.

Existing highway structures include:

• 13 underpasses for elk and deer along State Route 260
• 3 overpasses and 2 underpasses for Desert Bighorn Sheep along U.S. Highway 93
• 1 overpass and 5 underpasses along Interstate 11
• 1 overpass and 1 underpass for the Sonoran desert ecosystem along State Route 77

The Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass is one of three new structures being built. The others are another I-17 crossing at Kachina Village and an I-40 crossing west of Parks.

Arizona's wildlife corridors have led to a 90% drop in wildlife-related accidents. Andres Esparza from Pew, who supports conservation in Arizona, praised the state's efforts. He noted that these projects reduce dangerous collisions and reconnect animal habitats.

Esparza added that these projects offer lasting benefits for drivers, wildlife, and local communities.

Experts hope the Willard Springs project will reduce collisions. They will monitor its success by re-collaring elk and using cameras once it's complete.