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NewsGroundbreaking celebrates Kemmerer South Wildlife Crossing Project

Groundbreaking celebrates Kemmerer South Wildlife Crossing Project

September 24, 2025

News – Sheridan Media

On Sept. 11, in Kemmerer, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Game and Fish Department hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Kemmerer South Wildlife Crossing Project along U.S. Highway 189.

According to the Game and Fish, this $33.1 million project will add seven underpasses, one overpass, and wildlife-friendly fencing along a 30-mile stretch of highway. Construction is expected to be complete in October 2027. Oftedal Construction Inc. has been awarded the contract.

The crossings are designed to benefit the Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds as well as the Carter Lease pronghorn herd.

WYDOT Director Darin Westby said with all the science, engineering and design that goes into a project like this, they are hopeful to see an 80 to 90 percent decrease in wildlife collisions with automobiles.

The project is funded through a $24.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, combined with $8.8 million in contributions from project partners, including Game and Fish, WYDOT, the Wyoming Transportation Commission, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and several conservation nonprofits.

Wyoming has become a national leader in wildlife crossings. Past projects such as Trappers Point on U.S. 191 and Dry Piney on U.S. 189 have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions significantly. These efforts combine overpasses, underpasses, and fencing to safely guide animals across busy highways.

Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said the Kemmerer South project builds on that track record.

Bruce said the work on the project is extremely intentional, stating these crossings have been carefully designed and engineered by Game and Fish experts to maximize safety for wildlife and humans.