The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Game & Fish Department plan to break ground on a large wildlife crossing project on Highway 189 south of Kemmerer this September.

Stephanie Harsha, District 3 Public Relations Specialist with WYDOT, said a groundbreaking to launch the project will take place on September 11.

WYDOT received a $24.3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the project in 2023. The project was awarded to Oftedal Construction, Inc., out of Casper last month. The project will consist of seven underpasses, one overpass and fencing improvements along a 30-mile stretch between Evanston and Kemmerer. The completion date for the project is Oct. 31, 2027.

The project will provide motorists with a safer means of travel while ensuring wildlife can continue to migrate between seasonal ranges. Along U.S. 189, an average of 80 deer-vehicle collisions are reported annually — although this number is likely underreported. Once completed, this project is anticipated to eliminate 80-90% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Kemmerer project will help the Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds, as well the Carter Lease pronghorn herd.

The Federal Highway Administration award is part of the $350 million available through the federal wildlife crossing pilot program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Approximately $112 million was allocated during this first round of awards, with WYDOT receiving more than 20% of the available funding for the Kemmerer project.

The total cost of this project is expected to be $37.4 million. In addition to the federal grant and $4.2 million in WYDOT formula funds, the Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and partners contributed $8.8 million to fully fund the project.

This project would not be possible without the support from public, private and nonprofit partners including the WYldlife Fund, Transportation Commission, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, the Wyoming Legislature and Wyoming’s Congressional delegation.