Wildlife Fencing Work Begins on I-25 at Castle Rock Parkway
Temporary orange fencing is visible along Castle Rock Parkway where more permanent wildlife fencing is being installed.
Last month, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began installing wildlife fencing along I-25. The project, which is expected to be completed in October, is focused on building 10 miles of wildlife fencing, guardrails, and two deer guards at Happy Canyon Road – in addition to concrete rehabilitation on I-25.
Crews are currently installing fencing on the west side of I-25, working south to north from Castle Rock Parkway to Ridgegate Parkway. In late summer, they will transition to the east side of I-25.
After several recent collisions and growing public concern, CDOT, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the City of Castle Pines, the Town of Castle Rock, and Douglas County put forth a plan to mitigate wildlife related crashes. Based on wildlife migration studies and collision data, the group determined that exclusion fencing would help significantly reduce the number of incidents along the I-25 corridor. Increased development in the area has caused animal patterns to shift, raising concerns for traveler safety. As the fencing continues to go up, CDOT and CPW anticipate a large decrease in wildlife/vehicle collisions and will begin monitoring success in the fall.
Traffic will be impacted as a result of the construction. Daytime working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Crews will be primarily installing fencing during this time. Nighttime working hours will be from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning. During nighttime construction, single and double lane closures and alternating traffic intermittently in either direction are expected on I-25 throughout the duration of the project. CPW recommends drivers stay alert and slow down, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife is more active.
Information provided by CDOT; photo courtesy of Douglas County
