Construction is starting this month on an overpass for wildlife just south of Flagstaff.
The soil and plant covered overpass will be 100 feet wide and intended for animals like bear and elk to use to cross Interstate 17 about 12 miles south of the city.
Arizona Department of Transportation officials say it is designed to minimize collisions between animals and vehicles. That stretch of highway accounts for nearly two-thirds of crashes involving wildlife in the area. And most crashes involved elk.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane periodically. The project is supposed to be completed in fall of 2026.
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