Elk, bear, frogs and other animals have used the overpass, which connects 39,000 acres of habitat, since its completion
  • anon6789@lemmy.worldEnglish
    21·
    3 days ago

    They are investments for the sake of all parties involved.

    The Colorado department of transportation said before the overpass system was built, there was an average of one wildlife-vehicle crash a day in this corridor.

    Such wildlife crossings are popping up across the country as a way to protect wildlife habitat and reduce collisions, which can result in injuries and deaths in humans and animals. Research has shown that overpass systems are successful in “nearly eliminating” these accidents and that such infrastructure buildouts often “pay for themselves” by preventing costly crashes.

    • Steve@startrek.websiteEnglish
      15·
      3 days ago

      I see that now. They reckon each bridge pays for itself in 15 years due to fewer road crashes.

      • grue@lemmy.worldEnglish
        11·
        3 days ago

        And that’s probably not taking into account the externalities for things like wildlife conservation.

        • NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.worldEnglish
          11·
          3 days ago

          I saw some of these going through Banff years ago where the bridge itself was all natural as well. So small trees, shrubs etc. It looked really cool esthetically as well. Its a small thing, but still a thing.