Less than a year after completion, trail cam footage from atop the overpass shows a wide range of species already regularly using the crossing, including elk – earlier than expected – and deer, and some less common frequenters like bears and cougars.
Sitting within one of Alberta’s most active wildlife corridors, overpasses are among the most effective solutions to wildlife-vehicle collisions. The arches are covered with soil and vegetation that ties into the surrounding topography and landscape, which is a crucial design element that encourages wildlife usage.
This overpass allows animals to move, feed, and migrate while keeping them separate from traffic, and has resulted in an over 80% reduction in animal-vehicle collisions.
It doesn’t stop here – DIALOG is set to lead the design of six additional wildlife crossings in Alberta to continue to support local ecosystems and driver safety in the province.
Trail cam footage provided with permission from the Government of Alberta.