Wildlife south of Flagstaff is ready to access safely across Interstate 17 as state transport officials prepare to begin construction of wildlife across the busy highway. The project represents an effort to reconnect the habitat of animals such as deer and spatulas, while reducing the risk of driver wildlife collisions.
The Arizona Department of Transport will work with the Arizona Games and Fish Department to begin construction of the 100-foot wide wildlife bridge south of Flagstaff in April.
The intersection is covered with native vegetation and is designed with a variety of animals in mind, including elk, deer, fox, coyote, bobcat, black bear, mountain lion, and small animals.
The $15.8 million project also includes 8 feet of fencing that runs over eight miles along the highway.
According to an Adot news release, the project area accounted for 58% of wildlife-involved crashes between Stoneman Lake Road and Flagstaff between 2018 and 2022. Along the 32-mile stretch, approximately 75% of all wildlife collisions include elks weighing over 1,000 pounds.
Currently, the only safe passageway where elk and deer try to intersect is a single dark vert running under the highway.
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Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions remains a national and state priority
The overpass was made possible through funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, awarded in 2023. The $24 million grant to Arizona was one of 19 projects awarded nationwide by the federal program with a first $110 million fund.
Nationally, more than 1 million wildlife-vehicle collisions affect drivers each year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Those containing large animals result in approximately 200 deaths and 2,600 injuries.
In 2023, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said, “I am grateful to the Federal Highways Agency for supporting Arizona’s commitment to protecting residents, visitors and wildlife.” “
According to federal agencies, these conflicts also cost more than $10 billion a year on losses in income, medical costs, property damage and other expenses.
Drivers should expect travel times to change as the project is constructed.
Crews pave the area’s temporary crossovers so that traffic can travel to one side of the highway as needed during construction of the elevated road.
If the highway is narrowed to lanes in each direction, the driver will need to allow additional travel time on the I-17.
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
John Leos covers the environmental issues of the Republic of Arizona and AzCentral. Send tips and questions john.leos@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article was originally published in the Republic of Arizona. Add to commence building wildlife across I-17 near Flagstaff
