12/18/2025
Virginia is actively developing and implementing wildlife crossings, including underpasses and planned overpasses, as part of its Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, focusing on reducing dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions and connecting fragmented habitats using solutions like fencing and culverts, with major projects supported by recent state funding for hotspots identified in the plan.
Key Developments:
Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan (WCAP): A statewide strategy by multiple agencies (VDOT, DWR, DCR, Forestry) to map corridors, identify conflict zones, and prioritize crossing projects.
State Funding: New state funds are allocated specifically for building crossings where they'll have the most impact on reducing crashes, with proven solutions reducing accidents by up to 96%.
Existing Examples: While large-scale overpasses are emerging, Virginia already uses underpasses and culverts, like one under Highway 17 in the Dismal Swamp Canal area, and fencing projects (like on I-64 near Charlottesville) have drastically cut deer-vehicle collisions.
Why They Matter:
Safety: Reduce the over 60,000 wildlife-vehicle crashes in Virginia annually, saving lives and money.
Biodiversity: Connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to move, find mates, and access resources.
In essence, Virginia is moving from identifying problem areas to actively building infrastructure, including future overpasses, to create safer journeys for both wildlife and drivers.
The largest wildlife overpass in North America is now complete in Colorado: https://www.9news.com/article/life/animals/north-americas-largest-wildlife-overpass-completed-over-i-25-in-douglas-county/73-e895674f-092a-4cfe-913b-9c883f1e2dac?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_9NEWS_(KUSA)
