Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Investment

Wildlife crossings are one of the most cost-effective infrastructure investments for reducing animal road mortality and reconnecting fragmented habitats.

Key Facts

The US wildlife crossing market is growing rapidly following the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
A single large crossing can serve dozens of species simultaneously
Cost-benefit analyses consistently show crossings pay back their investment through reduced vehicle damage and human injuries
Crossing locations should be determined by wildlife movement data rather than engineering convenience
Small culverts for otters and badgers are also highly effective at a fraction of the cost of large bridges

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife crossings prevent acute welfare harm — road collision deaths and injuries — at scale. A badger that is struck by a vehicle but not immediately killed may suffer for hours. Deer struck at speed sustain severe trauma. The cumulative toll across landscapes without crossing infrastructure is enormous. Beyond individual welfare, crossings maintain genetic connectivity that prevents inbreeding depression in isolated populations. The design of effective crossings requires animal behaviour data: crossings placed where animals actually move, with appropriate vegetation cover and guidance fencing, achieve dramatically higher usage than those positioned for engineering convenience.

What You Can Do

Support organisations campaigning for wildlife crossing requirements in new road construction
Advocate for wildlife crossing funding in infrastructure bills and transport planning legislation
Reduce driving speed in areas with known wildlife crossing activity
Learn about wildlife connectivity needs in your region and support relevant advocacy organisations