Washington, D.C. – On January 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $125 million in grants for wildlife crossing projects in 16 states. This funding is part of the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which aims to build special bridges and tunnels to help animals cross busy roads safely. These projects are designed to reduce the number of accidents between vehicles and wildlife, ensuring the safety of both drivers and animals.
Wildlife crossings are structures that allow animals to cross human-made barriers, like roads and highways, without getting hurt. They can be overpasses, underpasses, tunnels, or even specially designed culverts. These crossings help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions, which cause serious injuries, fatalities, and significant financial costs each year.
By providing safe passage for animals, these projects also help maintain the natural movement patterns of wildlife, supporting their survival and biodiversity.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the importance of these projects, noting that too many people are hurt or killed each year in crashes involving animals. The new crossings, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will create safer travel routes for wildlife and help protect endangered species by connecting their habitats.
“Too many Americans are injured or killed each year in crashes involving cars and wildlife, especially in rural areas.”
With funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the projects moving forward in 16 states will reduce collisions between drivers and wildlife, create places for wildlife to safely move over and under highways, and help preserve American life and property,” said Buttigieg.
The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program will provide a total of $350 million over five years. The program focuses on decreasing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity. By creating these safe crossings, the initiative helps animals move freely across their habitats, which is crucial for their survival and reproduction. It also benefits drivers by reducing the risk of accidents and making roads safer.
Why it works?
Wildlife crossing projects have already shown success in various parts of the world, including Canada and Europe, where they have significantly reduced the number of animal-vehicle collisions. The U.S. hopes to see similar positive outcomes with the implementation of these new projects, making roads safer for all travelers. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring safer travel for everyone, making roads safer and supporting the survival of endangered species.
In addition to reducing accidents, these crossings also play a crucial role in preserving the natural environment. By allowing animals to move freely, they help maintain healthy ecosystems and promote biodiversity. The funding and support for these projects demonstrate a commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable development.
