Road
Aware
Road Aware
Wild Aware’s roots developed over the increasing lack of habitat connectivity in the Evergreen community and the surging number of wildlife-vehicle collisions on Highway 74. The problem extends beyond the obvious concerns and dangers with Highway 74. From I-70 south to 285 and every single road in between, animals are facing conflicts accessing various parts of their habitats. Meanwhile, humans are challenged with difficult decisions and stressful drives on these very roads as the growth in human population continues to apply increasing pressure to wildlife - of all sizes.
Finding ways to improve habitat connectivity & reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions are a clear focal point of Wild Aware. Below you’ll find some details - & history - about our approach so far.
Highway 74 Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Mitigation Efforts
Updated March 2024In December 2019, a small group of concerned Evergreen residents met to discuss ways to address the numbers of elk and deer that cross Highway 74, also known as Evergreen Parkway.
During the ensuing months, Wild Aware volunteers met with Colorado Department of Transportation’s Region 1 project manager/ecologist, traffic and safety engineering staff, and wildlife program management as well as Colorado Parks and Wildlife district and regional management.
During these subsequent meetings, officials made clear that the terrain and property ownership along Highway 74 present challenges to most mitigation proposals. It is currently understood that wildlife crossing structures (underpasses or overpasses) are not current possibilities for this area.
Here are notes that have been compiled and approved by CDOT regarding meetings and site visits between Wild Aware and CDOT, CPW and others.
This does not mean that these conversations are over. However, our current focus is on exploring other creative solutions. For example, Wild Aware has been able to successfully advocate for variable messaging signs that were placed along the highway for several months of 2020, 2021, and 2022. One permanent sign was installed in February, 2024, near Highway 74 milepost 6, a hot spot for wildlife-vehicle collisions. A second permanent sign was installed in July, 2024.
Wild Aware continues to work with government entities, consultants and experts to promote further study and problem-solving ideas for this highway. Our work includes staying in consistent communication with officials and independently researching varying options and new technologies. Our Road Aware team has reached out to renowned research road ecology scientists, university programs and wildlife crossing technology companies. Volunteers have attended international and state conferences dealing with wildlife and transportation. Efforts continue to find solutions.
What You Can Do
Be a part of Wild Aware’s team working with CDOT, CPW, Jefferson County Road and Bridge, and others, by participating in meetings and giving input about your own experiences along Highway 74. Share your ideas about making Highway 74 safer for drivers and wildlife!
We want to hear your wildlife-vehicle collision stories. Answer these 8 questions to help Wild Aware gather data to reflect the human emotional response to crashes with wildlife.
We all need to drive safely. CPW and CDOT are working together to address wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado.
Community Education and Outreach
Wild Aware volunteers are working to strategically identify and execute solutions to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions throughout the community - not just on Highway 74.
Initiatives currently include:
Creating and distributing community yard signs to help remind drivers to drive slowly and watch for wildlife were designed and purchased by WIld Aware. These signs are currently being purchased and displayed by individuals throughout the community
Providing data and resources as a stakeholder in the 2024/2025 Together Jeffco process of evaluating the county’s Transportation Mobility Plan
Working with CDOT on placement and programming of Variable Message Signs along Highway 74
Organizing outreach materials and messaging for social media and publications
Planning events with industry experts
Learn more about safe driving around wildlife and road ecology organizations.
YourJeffco app for Road Maintenance Requests
YourJeffco is an online portal and mobile app that allows residents, business owners and visitors to report issues and concerns about roads and bridges maintained by Jefferson County. Download the YourJeffco mobile app on your device to submit maintenance requests or questions for roads located within unincorporated Jefferson County.
A Crash Test to Resemble the Impact of an Elk/Moose
In this video you will see a test performed by Folksam and VTi showing how different heights and structures affect the result of an accident with an elk/moose.
Defenders of Wildlife
Watch out for Wildlife Tips
Learn more about driving safe in areas with wildlife on or near the road with these tips Here.
Wildlife crash data collected between 2010-2022 reported to law enforcement.
New Driver’s Initiative
Wild Aware seeks to work with driving schools to suggest a “wild aware” curriculum. If you’re involved with a driving school and would like to help us, please get in touch.
Provided by CDOT.
As a part of the state’s continuing commitment to safety on the roads & responsible driver education: