"Seeking ways to make I-90 safer for motorists and wildlife"

A 15-mile stretch of I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass is due for an upgrade and expansion (4 lanes to 6). The I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition is "Advocating high quality wildlife passage" for the expansion of I-90. The March/April 2005 "Puget Sound Journey" magazine summarizes some of the goals of the project, including:

• "The project bisects a critical link in the north-south movement of wildlife in the Cascades. More than $70 million have recently been invested to protect wildlife habits just north and south of the project area."
• "Scientists have recommended improved ways for animals to pass over or under the road, such as lengthening bridges over creeks and creating an overpass specifically for wildlife."

When I read about the over and underpasses my first thought was, "how likely are the animals to use them?" In the photos of existing wildlife passages, it says that an underpass in Banff has "cut the ungulate roadkill by 96 percent." Cool. Glad to see that someone is doing something about this.

Now to ensure that enough telephone and other wires provide enough overpasses for the squirrels. ;)