New wildlife crossing near Kemmerer underway

KEMMERER (WNE) — The Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project on U.S. Highway 189 is officially underway. The project, located between Evanston and Kemmerer, aims to enhance public safety while protecting Wyoming’s iconic wildlife.

Stephanie Harsha, Public Information Officer for the WYDOT Rock Springs Of- fice District 3, said the work will include the construction of seven underpasses, one overpass and fencing along a 30-mile stretch of highway.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in September for the wildlife connectivity project.

The area where the crossing is being built has been a “hot spot” for wildlife collisions. The project has been on the radar, but funding had not been available until recently.

Harsha said the goal is to improve safety for both motorists and animals.

“These projects are highly successful,” she said, adding that crossings can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by around 80 percent. 

The Kemmerer project is also unique because it includes an overpass — one of only three wildlife overpasses in the state.

The project will feature 8-foot-tall fencing on both sides of the highway, designed specifically for large animals. Harsha noted that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department provided significant input on the placement of the crossing structures.

Construction of the crossing structures is expected to begin in 2026. The contractor, Oftedal Construction of Casper, is expected to complete the project by October 31, 2027. For now, work consists mostly of fine-tuning and preparation.

Funded primarily through federal dollars, the project received a $24.3 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration in December 2023, awarded jointly to the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 

An additional $8.8 million came from partner contributions. 

This story was published on Oct. 16, 2025.