Utah's first overpass built solely for wildlife crossings is set to open today.
The overpass which spans six lanes of interstate was built this summer to improve safety on I-80 and help reduce the number wildlife and vehicle collisions.
The Utah Department of Transportation coordinated with the state Division of Wildlife Resources before building the project to look at wildlife migration patterns and habitat as well as the width requirements of the overpass.
The wildlife crossing is one of several new improvements this year on I-80 in Parleys Canyon to enhance safety, including a new truck lane to help move slower, heavier vehicles traveling westbound away from faster-moving traffic as well as cattle guard and wildlife fencing to help encourage wildlife to utilize the new crossing.
UDOT will be placing the last boulder as part of the natural landscaping on the overpass to signify its completion today.
