I-70 Wild Byway: Funding Ready Project Seeks Conservation Champion

In Colorado, the Interstate 70 (I-70) Mountain Corridor (the Corridor) from Golden to Glenwood Springs is one of the most dangerous and impenetrable roadways for wildlife, with traffic counts well above levels at which many species completely avoid the road. For over ten years, numerous agencies, organizations and individuals have devoted countless hours to the vision of a more connected landscape along the Corridor. Since 2001, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been coordinating an interagency group of wildlife specialists to investigate opportunities to restore connectivity along the roadway. Based on recommendations from this group, CDOT received congressional funding in 2006 to look into the feasibility of building a vegetated wildlife overpass on Vail Pass. In 2010, the information from this study was used as the basis for the ARC International Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Design Competition aimed at finding new and innovative ways to build wildlife crossing structures. This competition resulted in a stunning winning design from world renowned bridge engineer Ted Zoli, and an agreement with CDOT to place the bridge on East Vail Pass. This project has broad support from agencies, conservation organizations, and scientists. Its message has been tested with the public with positive results. Its design will cut construction time, reduce construction impacts on wildlife, and drive down costs for future wildlife bridges. Yet, it is struggling to get off the ground. Can you help connect this funding ready project to a champion who can take it to the next level? We want your ideas.