Construction of a wildlife overpass on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff has reached the halfway point, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The $15.8 million project began in May and is expected to be completed by fall 2026. As winter weather approaches, construction will pause for the season and resume when conditions improve next year.
The new bridge, which is 100 feet wide, will allow animals such as elk and deer to safely cross over I-17. The overpass will eventually be covered with soil and native vegetation to help wildlife adapt to using it. No significant traffic restrictions are planned during the winter shutdown.
ADOT is working with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on this project, aiming to lower the number of vehicle crashes involving animals in the area. Funding for most of the project comes from a Federal Highway Administration Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant.
Next year, crews will complete both the bridge itself—located north of Willard Springs Road interchange—and eight miles of wildlife fencing along I-17. Data from 2018 to 2022 show that this section accounted for more than half of all wildlife-related crashes between Stoneman Lake Road and Flagstaff, with elk involved in about three-fourths of these incidents.
“Work on the $15.8 million wildlife overpass project 12 miles south of Flagstaff started in May and is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. The project’s scheduled winter construction break started Wednesday, Nov. 26. Crews will resume work once favorable weather conditions return next year.”
“The concrete deck has been poured for the 100-foot-wide bridge, which is designed to allow wildlife, including elk and deer, to cross over I-17. The overpass ultimately will be topped with soil and native grasses and plants.”
“No major traffic restrictions are planned in the project’s work zone during the winter months.”
“ADOT is partnering with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on the I-17 overpass project in an effort to reduce the risk of vehicle crashes involving animals, especially elk and deer. Most funding for the project is provided by a Federal Highway Administration Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant.”
“In addition to completing the bridge, which is located north of the Willard Springs Road interchange, crews next year will finish the installation of wildlife fencing along 8 miles of I-17.”
“From 2018 to 2022, the area where the new I-17 overpass and fencing are being added accounted for 58% of crashes involving wildlife between Stoneman Lake Road and Flagstaff. And in that 32-mile stretch of I-17, about 75 percent of all reported wildlife crashes involved elk, which can weigh up to 1,100 pounds.”
Travelers can check current highway conditions through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website at https://az511.gov or via its free AZ511 mobile app for Apple or Android devices. Updates are also available through ADOT’s X/Twitter account @ArizonaDOT.
