CDOT, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Castle Pines, Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County to partner on driver and wildlife safety plan along I-25 near Castle Pines and Castle Rock
Douglas County – Recent and historical incidents of vehicle/animal collisions along the Interstate 25 corridor in Douglas County, paired with growing public concern for safety in the area, led to a multi-agency plan to install 16 miles of wildlife fencing on the east and west side of I-25, from the Ridgegate exit (MM192) in Lone Tree, to the Meadows/Founders exit in Castle Rock (MM 184).
The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin fence construction in February 2022 with the installation complete in approximately two to three months.
Prior to the fence installation, project partners will amplify public education encouraging drivers to take extra caution as they travel through the corridor, especially during the fall migratory period (October through November). CDOT and Douglas County are also collaborating on posting overhead electronic message boards along the corridor to inform drivers who may not be aware of the potential danger.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials recommend drivers stay alert and slow down, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife is more active. If drivers do see wildlife in the roadway, they should not swerve as they are more likely to wreck when trying to avoid an animal. It is best to slow down if possible and look for other wildlife as most travel in groups.
According to a recent article by Pew, Colorado is among the top states in the nation protecting wildlife migration corridors. The wildlife mitigation system installed along Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling saw wildlife/vehicle collisions decrease by more than 90%. This shows promise that similar types of collisions will also decrease in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. CDOT and CPW expect similar reductions on the I-25 South Gap project where wildlife crossings and fencing are being installed.
For additional information and community-specific impacts, please reach out to the following contacts:
CDOT
Tamara Rollison
Denver Metro Region Communications Manager
720-663-9552 | tamara.rollison@state.co.us
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Jason Clay, Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 | jason.clay@state.co.us
Douglas County
Wendy Manitta Holmes, Communications and Public Affairs Director
303-660-7358 | WHolmes@douglas.co.us
City of Castle Pines
Hannah Button
Communications Manager
720-597-5059 | hannah.button@castlepinesco.gov
Town of Castle Rock
Melissa Hoelting, Community Relations Manager
303-660-1365 | MHoelting@crgov.com
