Chanuka
In the past few years, the I-80 highway in Utah has witnessed a growing number of animal accidents, earning it the nickname “Slaughter Row.” The highway, which is a major transportation route, cuts through the natural habitats of many animals, making it difficult for them to cross it safely. As a result, many animals, including deer, elks, mountain lions, and moose, lost their lives in accidents.
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The situation was dire, and something needed to be done to prevent further loss of lives. The Utah Division of Wildlife, with the help of various organizations, decided to build an animal pass-over bridge over the highway to allow animals to cross safely.
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The bridge is the first of its kind in the state and has been a great success. The overpass spans across the 6-lane I-80 highway and is made up of vegetation that mimics the surrounding environment to encourage animals to use it.
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The project, which was expected to take some time to complete, was finished earlier than anticipated. It wasn’t long before animals began using the overpass, with footage showing deer, elk, and even moose crossing it with ease.
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The animal pass-over bridge has proven to be a great success, reducing the number of animal-vehicle collisions and ensuring the survival of many animals. This is not only great news for the animals but also for motorists who would otherwise risk their lives in accidents caused by animals crossing the highway.
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In conclusion, the Utah Division of Wildlife has done an excellent job in finding a solution to a long-standing problem that has caused much loss of life. The animal pass-over bridge is a great example of how we can coexist with wildlife and ensure their survival while still maintaining our infrastructure. It’s an achievement that everyone involved can be proud of, and we hope to see more initiatives like this in the future.
More info & Photo courtesy: Utah Division of Wildlife| Facebook | Instagram
