The project is backed by a $24.3 million federal grant, along with $8.8 million from partner groups. Plans include seven underpasses, one overpass, and fencing running along both sides of the highway to help guide wildlife away from traffic and toward safe crossing points.

What’s Already Been Done

Crews made headway before winter set in. Around 20 miles of fence posts were installed, and dirt work was completed to set up detours around the future underpass locations. That early work is now setting the stage for a more active construction season.

What’s Changing This Spring and Summer

Starting in April, traffic will be pushed onto gravel detours around work zones. Those setups will stay in place as crews continue building the crossing structures.

Expect slower travel, uneven surfaces, and delays, especially during peak work periods. With multiple areas under construction, traffic patterns may shift as the project moves along.

WYDOT has already warned that delays should be expected.

Timeline Moving Forward

The work isn’t a quick fix. The overall project is scheduled for completion in October 2027.

“The contractor is working hard, fine-tuning the schedule and keeping things on track for the project,” Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman said. “If things go well, our goal is to have all eight structures constructed in 2026, weather and schedule permitting.”

As always in Wyoming, the weather could change that timeline.

Why These Projects Are Showing Up More Often

Wildlife crossings are becoming a more common sight, especially across Western corridors where animal movement overlaps with highway traffic.

While construction can slow things down in the short term, the goal is to cut down on wildlife-vehicle crashes. That can mean fewer disruptions, less damage, and safer conditions over time.

Colorado’s Recent Example

A similar effort wrapped up in Colorado in December 2025. The state completed what it describes as the world’s largest wildlife overpass over Interstate 25 near the Greenland Interchange.

The structure spans six lanes and reconnects 39,000 acres of habitat used by elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Officials expect it to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes along that section of I-25 by 90%.

Before it was built, the area averaged about one wildlife-related crash per day, according to state transportation officials.

The overpass was part of the larger I-25 South Gap project and, like the Wyoming effort, relied on federal funding and support from multiple agencies.

What Drivers Should Keep in Mind

If your route takes you through this part of Wyoming, plan for extra time and stay alert in work zones. Gravel detours and active construction aren’t going away anytime soon.

The end goal is safer roads, but for now, getting through the area will take a little more patience.

The post Wildlife Crossing Work Picks Up Along U.S. 189 in Wyoming appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This will mark the project substantially complete and on time,” stated Bob Hammond, resident engineer for WYDOT. “We may still have some seeding and reclamation, as well as a few punch-list items to complete, but this project is also pretty much wrapped up, too.”

Major Upgrades and Improvements

The reopening comes with significant infrastructure upgrades. The Snake River Bridge has been replaced with a modern four-lane structure, and the intersection of State Highways 22 and 390 has been redesigned to enhance traffic flow. Additionally, WYDOT has constructed a new pedestrian underpass and installed four wildlife crossings, fencing, and cattle guards to improve safety for both drivers and animals.

Upcoming Work on the Bridge

While the highway is open, additional work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 7. Crews will apply a protective epoxy layer to the new bridge deck, which will temporarily reduce traffic to one lane in each direction. WYDOT advises drivers to anticipate slower speeds, lane closures, and potential delays during this phase. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed within a week.

“We wanted to make sure we had all the lanes open for the holiday weekend,” Hammond explained. “Once we complete the epoxy overlay, we will be pretty much finished with the work on the bridge and intersection.”

Emergency Detour and Safety Measures

In response to the mudslide in June 2024, WYDOT implemented a temporary detour after the Wyoming Transportation Commission approved an emergency bid of $430,000. The detour was designed with safety as a top priority.

“WYDOT’s engineers, geologists, and other licensed professionals with several decades of experience have done their due diligence to ensure the detour is safe for traffic,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in a statement last June.

Stay Updated

For the latest updates on the project, visit the WYDOT website. Current traffic conditions are also available through Wyoming 511.

Source: Land Line Media

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