---
title: "Colorado Opens Largest Wildlife Overpass in North America Along I-25"
url: "https://camperfaqs.com/colorado-opens-largest-wildlife-overpass-in-north-america-along-i-25"
author: "Tory Jon"
published: "2025-12-22T10:16:27-06:00"
modified: "2025-12-22T10:16:31-06:00"
---

# Colorado Opens Largest Wildlife Overpass in North America Along I-25

Colorado officials announced this week that a large wildlife overpass over Interstate 25 is now complete, marking a significant addition to the state’s efforts to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions.

 

The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass is located near Larkspur, between Denver and Colorado Springs. The Colorado Department of Transportation says roughly 100,000 vehicles travel through this stretch of highway each day.

 

The area surrounding the crossing is known for high movement of large wildlife. Before the crossing system was built, transportation officials reported an average of one wildlife vehicle crash per day during fall and spring movement seasons.

 

That history made this section of I-25 a priority for safety improvements aimed at both drivers and animals.

 

## How the Overpass Works

 

The Greenland overpass allows animals to cross safely over six lanes of traffic on a wide span covered with dirt and vegetation. The design is meant to resemble the surrounding terrain rather than a traditional roadway structure.

 

Officials say the overpass reconnects approximately 39,000 acres of habitat that had been separated by the interstate. It is part of a broader wildlife crossing system that also includes underpasses and fencing, filling a 3.7-mile gap that previously lacked safe crossing points.

 

## Wildlife Expected to Use the Crossing

 

State and wildlife officials expect a range of species to use the overpass, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bears, and mountain lions.

 

Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew said the crossing system is expected to reduce wildlife vehicle crashes in the area by about 90 percent.

 

## Size, Cost, and Construction Timeline

 

The overpass measures approximately 200 feet wide and 209 feet long, covering a total area of roughly 41,800 square feet, according to state officials. Construction was completed within about a year, finishing faster than originally projected.

 

The project cost was reported at approximately $15 million.

 

Governor Jared Polis described the overpass as part of Colorado’s continued work to improve roadway safety while protecting habitat and outdoor spaces across the state.

 

## How It Compares to Projects Elsewhere

 

The Greenland Wildlife Overpass is currently the largest in North America.

 

That distinction may eventually change. In Southern California, construction continues on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing above Highway 101 between the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills near Los Angeles. That project spans 10 lanes of traffic, carries an estimated cost of $92 million, and is expected to be completed in 2026.

 

Organizers behind the California crossing say it aims to become the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world. The project gained public attention following the death of P-22, a well-known mountain lion that was struck by a vehicle in 2022.