New bridge planned over Mass Pike for deer and hikers to share

A new bridge is set to be constructed in western Massachusetts to facilitate safe crossings for both humans and wildlife over the Mass Pike. This project will replace an existing bridge in Becket where the Appalachian Trail intersects the highway, an area notorious for frequent collisions between vehicles and deer.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has recently been awarded a $1.7 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration as part of a broader initiative that allocated $125 million to 16 wildlife crossing projects across the nation, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted by President Joe Biden in 2021.

This new bridge is designed to create distinct spaces for wildlife, pedestrians, and hikers. It will also feature fencing intended to guide animals to the designated crossing areas, significantly improving their safety when navigating the highway.

Wildlife collisions pose a significant threat to public safety, with approximately 200 fatalities and 26,000 injuries occurring each year in the United States. The financial repercussions of these incidents exceed $10 billion annually, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of wildlife crossing projects in reducing vehicle-animal collisions, particularly in rural areas. He noted that these initiatives are crucial for creating safer roads and highways for both humans and wildlife. Additionally, similar projects, such as an $87 million wildlife crossing being built in California, aim to protect local ecosystems and endangered species like mountain lions.