Have you ever heard of a wildlife overpass? I spoke with Doug Nintzel, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) spokesman, about the new wildlife overpass. He told me that a wildlife overpass is a large bridge that goes over highways to help prevent crashes involving wildlife. The overpass will be on I-17, twelve miles south of Flagstaff, at milepost 327.4. The overpass will be 100 feet wide and will be covered in native vegetation; this will help it blend in with nature. It will have 8-foot tall fencing for about 8 miles, this will help direct the animals.

The types of animals that will use the overpass are elk, deer, bears, skunks, foxes, bobcats, and other animals. There are several other wildlife overpasses in Arizona, including one on State Route 77, over Oracle Road, north of Tucson.

This new wildlife overpass will be finished in the Fall of 2026. Let’s hope this will help prevent accidents involving wildlife.

Photo: ADOT