The world's largest wildlife overpass has opened in Colorado, following a $15 million (£11 million) project. The bridge, known as the Greenland overpass, spans Interstate 25, a busy stretch of road between Denver and Colorado Springs.
The crossing connects 39,000 acres of wildlife habitats, providing a safe route for animals such as elk, mule deer, black bears and mountain lions to cross six lanes of traffic. Officials hope it will significantly reduce the number of animal-related accidents on the road.
Around 100,000 vehicles use this isolated section of highway daily, according to Colorado transportation officials. The overpass measures 200 feet wide and 209 feet long, making it the largest bridge structure built specifically for wildlife.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said: 'The I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass is critical to the safety of both wildlife and motorists. The overpass is an essential component of the wildlife crossing system in this area, which is expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%.'
Exclusionary fencing will guide animals to the bridge. The Arizona Game and Fish Department explained that data from similar projects shows that once animals learn to use crossings, they pass that knowledge to the next generation.
