Wildlife crossings are used to mitigate environmental impacts of a project by providing animals a way to safely cross roadways. These crossings also improve safety by reducing the chances of a collision between animals and drivers. Wildlife crossing structures should be considered when crash data indicates that the benefit of the crossing outweighs the construction and maintenance cost.

The type of wildlife crossing used must be decided based on site-specific criteria. In some cases, an overpass may be necessary to provide large animals safe passage over a roadway. In other cases, a small culvert could be utilized to carry water flow as well as give small animals a crossing underneath the roadway.

Two major factors in selecting the type of wildlife crossing are topographical constraints and minimizing impacts to the existing habitat. Understanding these variables will produce the most effective and environmentally conscious crossing

Refer to the and TxDOT’s – Chapter 9: Passes, Stock Passes and Cattle Guards for additional information and guidance.