SH-21, Cervidae Peak Wildlife Overpass
The overpass will significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes on this busy section of State Highway 21.
The State Highway 21 Wildlife Overpass at Cervidae Peak project will construct an approximately 120’ to 150’ long wildlife overpass over the highway at mile point (MP) 19.32. The project will also construct big game fencing parallel to SH-21 from MP 18.4 to MP 19.6 to guide animals to the overpass. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2023. A two-lane bypass road will allow safe vehicle passage during construction, anticipated for completion in October 2023. Motorists can expect reduced speeds and period lane closures with flagger control. ITD appreciates your patience and reminds motorists to always drive with caution through construction areas.
Read MoreSH-21 Vision
This is the next step in the long-range vision to promote safety, mobility, and economic opportunity along SH-21 between Lucky Peak and Idaho City. In conjunction with the existing wildlife underpass and fencing to the south, this project will further reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and maintain habitat connectivity for big game. The goal is to reduce wildlife collisions from MP 18.4 to MP 19.6 highway by 80%.
Overpass & Fencing Design
The overpass is expected to be 120-150′ long. It will utilize existing terrain to reduce costs and impact to the topography.
Big game fencing on either side of the overpass will funnel wildlife to the crossing. Its placement will consider terrain, constructability, future maintenance and avoid impairing views from the road.
Wildlife Crossing Record of Success
In 2010, ITD constructed a grade-separated wildlife underpass on SH-21 at MP 18.2. Game cameras monitoring that underpass show extensive use by mule deer, elk and other wildlife – all of which pose serious safety and mobility hazards to drivers if they were on the road. This also improved habitat linkage and landscape connectivity to the Boise River Wildlife Management Area and adjacent public lands of the Boise National Forest, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Lands, City of Boise, and Bureau of Land Management.
Cooperative Support
As ITD developed this project, it received support from Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Boise, Ada and Boise Counties, numerous Non-Governmental Organizations, and the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highways Division. Investment in these improvements supports the varied missions of these agencies to serve the citizens and taxpayers of Idaho.
Funding
This project is funded through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and provides $3.2 million to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions while maintaining or enhancing habitat and landscape connectivity to Federal lands. Local match was required for this program and was provided by the diverse group of agencies and organizations mentioned above.
View the FLAP application hereWorking
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