Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When does the project start?
This project has already begun! It has been years in the making and WYDOT has begun with one initial landslide stabilization work already and plans to let a second landslide stabilization soon.

2. How long will construction last?
Construction will last about 4 years for the reconstruction phases.

3. What are wildlife crossings? And, why do we need them?
Wildlife crossings are bridges and tunnels designed to help wildlife safely cross the road. Combined with high fences along the roads to funnel animals to the crossings, wildlife crossings have proven themselves across America and around the world as the most effective way to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and increase habitat connectivity.

4. Will there be any wildlife crossings as part of this project?
Yes! Great news. Wildlife on South highway 89 will soon have several safe options to cross this highway while they move and migrate.

5. How many wildlife crossings do you plan to build?
Six underpasses for big game and several smaller culverts for small mammals and some fish passage crossings are also planned.

6. How did you select the locations for the wildlife crossings?
WYDOT in consultation with Wyoming Game & Fish, Bridger-Teton National Forest
and several local non-profit research and advocacy groups used data on collision hot-spots and migration corridors to identify the best locations.

7. Who designs these crossings?
WYDOT engineers are adept at crossing design. These crossings measure up well against recommended best practices to ensure that animals are likely to use them. In addition, an Advisory Committee of local conservation groups, agencies and county representatives meets periodically to review any design issues.

8. Why are all the crossings underpasses?
Crossing type was chosen based on several factors: species, topography, geology and existing infrastructure. Underpasses combined with fencing are highly effective measures to reduce animal-vehicle collisions.

9. Will there be fencing?
Yes! As part of this project fencing will be used to funnel animals toward the appropriate crossing location.

10.  lsn't fencing bad for animals?
Not always. In this case, fencing is good because it directs animals to the appropriate places where they can cross the road without getting hit by cars.

11.  How will you know if animals use these crossings?
Currently, several local conservation groups have remote cameras monitoring the proposed crossing locations. Post-construction, other monitoring efforts will continue to evaluate these crossing structures.