Montana Requested $28 Million for Highway Wildlife Crossing
A new proposal aims to reduce collisions on U.S. 191 by installing a wildlife overpass and improved safety fencing.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Wildlife
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Should local governments prioritize public funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure in your area?
The Montana Department of Transportation has applied for a $28 million federal grant to construct a wildlife crossing at the mouth of Gallatin Canyon. This infrastructure project seeks to address the corridor where wildlife collisions account for 24% of all reported crashes.
Why it matters
The project is designed to improve driver safety and reduce the significant costs associated with vehicle-animal accidents. Montana drivers currently face a one-in-54 chance of a collision, prompting state action to secure federal support for safer transit.
The proposed construction includes a dedicated wildlife overpass, cattle guards, and jump-outs to protect a segment of U.S. 191. This request follows a 2024 application for $26 million that was previously denied funding.
The players
Montana Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for managing Montana road infrastructure and seeking federal safety grants.
Center for Large Landscape Conservation
A conservation organization that identifies migration corridors and assesses highway crossing feasibility.
The details
The project uses priority area data identified by the Center for Large Landscape Conservation based on 2020 transit reports. Construction involves physical barriers and escape routes to guide animals away from traffic lanes. These measures specifically target the reduction of frequent wildlife-vehicle collisions identified along the highway corridor.
Timeline
2020: MDT collected collision data for the corridor study.
2024: CLLC launched the feasibility study and submitted the first grant application.
2025: Montana legislature passed bills creating wildlife crossing funding accounts.
Nov. 16, 2026: The WCPP funding application cycle closes.
Spring 2027: Expected notification of grant award decision.
The Home Front
The surge in state-level applications for the federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program highlights a shift toward prioritizing animal-migration infrastructure in transit planning. This follows the 2025 legislative session in Montana, which established new dedicated accounts for wildlife crossing projects.
Drivers using U.S. 191 near Big Sky should remain vigilant for wildlife as this corridor remains a high-risk area for vehicle-animal collisions. Families and commuters should continue to plan for potential travel delays in the Gallatin Canyon region during peak animal migration periods.
The takeaway
Wildlife-vehicle collisions remain a significant driver of property damage and safety concerns for residents across the state. Travelers in the Gallatin Canyon area should prioritize defensive driving habits until permanent infrastructure solutions like overpasses can be fully implemented.
What happens next
Federal officials are expected to provide notification regarding the status of the $28 million grant application in spring 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to protect area fauna in Montana Wildlife.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize public funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure in your area?
