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 exploringother 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. Both signs were activated in early 2025 with specific messaging regarding elk and deer collisions risks.

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.