Arizona's 27th Wildlife Bridge Cuts Animal Crashes by 90%

Imagine driving down a highway knowing you're 90% less likely to hit an elk or deer. That's the reality Arizona has created with a simple but powerful solution: bridges for wildlife.

The state is finishing construction on the Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass, a 100-foot-wide bridge spanning Interstate 17 just south of Flagstaff. Crews are installing eight miles of tall fencing designed to funnel elk, deer, and other animals safely over four lanes of traffic.

The $15.8 million project targets a dangerous stretch of road where more than half of all collisions over the past four years involved wildlife. Arizona sees an average of 1,270 reported wildlife-vehicle crashes every year, putting both animals and drivers at risk.

But the state isn't guessing where to build. Researchers from the Arizona Game and Fish Department tracked radio-collared elk to map exactly where animals migrate, search for food and water, and find mates. That data pinpointed Willard Springs as a critical crossing zone.

The overpass will feature tall concrete parapets, native vegetation, escape ramps, and connecting structures to guide animals naturally across the highway. After a winter construction pause, the bridge should open by fall 2026.

This project joins 26 existing wildlife crossings across Arizona, including 13 underpasses for elk and deer along State Route 260, special passages for Desert Bighorn Sheep on U.S. Highway 93, and crossings protecting the Sonoran desert ecosystem. Two more overpasses are coming soon on I-17 and I-40.

The Ripple Effect

The impact goes beyond saving animals. Arizona's wildlife corridor network has cut crashes by an average of 90%, protecting human lives and preventing costly accidents. The state just locked in $700,000 in annual funding to plan and build even more crossings.

"These projects are proven to deliver lasting benefits for drivers, wildlife, and local communities," says Andres Esparza from Pew's conservation program. The crossings reconnect fragmented habitats, allowing animal populations to thrive while keeping roads safer.

Once Willard Springs opens, researchers will monitor its success using cameras and newly collared elk to track usage patterns. The goal is simple: fewer crashes, healthier ecosystems, and safer journeys for everyone sharing Arizona's landscape.