Protecting people and protecting animals: Idaho’s Highway 21 wildlife overpass shows success after year one [Video]

Idaho invested in their first and only wildlife overpass in November 2023 – and one year later – the $7.5 million project is proving to be a success. 

The goal of the overpass was to reduce vehicle and animal collisions by 80%. Since the overpass has been standing, there have been zero vehicle and animal collisions on the stretch of the project. 

“This project is all about collaboration – the name of safety and mobility for our drivers and motors, you and I, your families, our friends, everybody in Idaho that uses this as well as the wildlife in Idaho,” said Scott Rudel, environmental planner with Idaho Transportation Department. 

The overpass sits just north of Lucky Peak – about a mile past an existing underpass that was built in 2010 – also for wildlife. …