Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing to Begin Construction in Summer 2025

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project along U.S. Highway 189 in southwest Wyoming is on schedule to begin construction in summer 2025, according to a recent announcement by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Funded by a $24.3 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, awarded in December 2023, the project is a collaboration between the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the Game and Fish Department. WYDOT engineers are refining the plans, including right-of-way adjustments and design elements. The crossing will include five underpasses, one overpass, and fencing improvements across a 30-mile stretch of the highway between Evanston and Kemmerer.
“We are working closely with our Game and Fish partners to refine the design to identify crossing opportunities in this area that work best for animal behavior and engineering design requirements,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “The State of Wyoming continues to be a leader in improving wildlife connectivity through grassroots partnerships and dedicated stakeholders.”
The project is expected to go out for bid in early summer 2025 and will take two construction seasons, with a completion target of no later than November 2028. The final timeline will depend on project plans, contractor selection, and factors such as weather and supply chain conditions.
The Kemmerer location was designated as a priority during the 2017 Wyoming Wildlife and Roadways Summit, identifying a critical zone for wildlife crossings. On U.S. 189, about 80 deer-vehicle collisions occur annually, though this number is believed to be underreported. This wildlife crossing is expected to improve safety for both the Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds, as well as the Carter Lease pronghorn herd.
“We know wildlife and humans will greatly benefit from this project,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Game and Fish Department. “Mule deer and pronghorn will be able to move safely between seasonal habitats, reducing the number of animals on the roadway and increasing the safety of drivers on Highway 189.”
The project is also driven by anticipated future development, such as the planned nuclear power facility in the area, which is expected to increase traffic along U.S. 189. This project builds on previous wildlife crossing improvements, including those at Dry Piney and Trapper’s Point.
The Federal Highway Administration allocated more than 20% of the available funding for this project, which totals $37.4 million. In addition to the federal grant, the project is being funded by $4.2 million from WYDOT formula funds, $8.8 million from various partners, including the Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and nonprofits.
Once complete, the project is expected to eliminate 80-90% of wildlife-vehicle collisions on this stretch of road.
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