Oregon and Utah have built more than 130 wildlife crossings

Wildlife crossings are increasingly becoming one of the most effective ways to protect both motorists and animals on busy highways, and Oregon and Utah are among the US states leading the effort. Together, the two states have more than 130 wildlife crossings, including overpasses, underpasses and culverts that allow animals to safely cross roads while reducing dangerous vehicle collisions. Their success comes as four states—Utah, Oregon, Idaho and Virginia—advanced new measures in 2026 to make it easier to fund and expand wildlife crossing infrastructure. Conservationists say these projects not only save wildlife but also reduce injuries, deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses caused by wildlife-vehicle crashes.How wildlife crossings help save animals in Oregon and Utah Wildlife crossings are specially designed bridges, tunnels and underpasses built over or beneath highways. They are usually paired with fencing that guides animals towards safe crossing points instead of allowing them to wander onto roads.According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, wildlife crossings with fencing can reduce collisions involving large mammals by more than 90% in some locations. A single crossi...