The much needed wildlife crossings on Oracle Road are getting closer to becoming reality! Bud Foster from KOLD News 13 highlighted the vegetated wildlife overpass and our Executive Director, Carolyn Campbell, voiced reasons for its importance last week. Along with the overpass, an underpass will be built in the same vicinity. These crossings will help provide safe passages for wildlife and facilitate movement within the Santa Catalina and Tortolita mountain wildlife linkage. Voters showed support for this project when a Regional Transportation Plan was passed in 2006 that allocated $45 million for crossing structures. These crossings are expected to greatly reduce wildlife mortality and collisions with vehicles. While some residents question the need and funding allocation for these structures, we believe they are vital for ecosystem health and maintaining wildlife populations. Construction on the overpass will begin later this year with underpass construction following. Watch the whole story by clicking the link below!

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/24747516/11-mil-for-wildlife-bridge

You can find out more about these wildlife crossing structures here.