
Advocates testify to TxDOT, urge construction of wildlife crossings on roads
At least 11 road projects would benefit from crossings
On August 22, the Texas Transportation Commission met to review and approve the 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), a 10-year planning document that assigns funding to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center Research and Policy Center student researcher Nathaniel Fagelson and Dr. Sharon Wilcox, the Senior Texas Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, provided testimony to the commission advocating for the inclusion of wildlife crossing projects within the UTP.
Testimony to TxDOT on wildlife corridors
Fagelson emphasized the importance of wildlife crossings for ecological conservation and traffic safety. According to him, wildlife crossings provide a way to simultaneously connect fragmented habitats and prevent collisions with animals on Texas roads. In fact, Texas leads the nation in deaths from animal-vehicle collisions.
“Addressing animal-vehicle collisions is integral to TxDOT’s goals of achieving zero traffic deaths and protecting endangered species,” he said. “Our natural spaces work best when they’re connected, and wildlife crossings are a key step toward healing fragmented ecosystems. TxDOT can simultaneously promote ecological prosperity and reduce dangerous crashes by building more wildlife crossings.”
Researchers at the Center for Transportation Research at UT Austin identified over 100 Texas road segments where wildlife crossings would provide a return on investment by preventing collisions. According to Fagelson, 11 of these road segments contain a project receiving funding under the 2025 UTP, including a two-mile stretch of State Loop near the Pennypacker Bridge in Austin.
“Installing a wildlife crossing in this area could prevent injuries, reduce property damage, and protect wildlife,” he said. “We urge the Commission to direct that wildlife crossings be built on those 11 projects.”
Dr. Wilcox echoed the importance of wildlife crossings in her testimony. She emphasized the environmental stakes in combating fragmented habitats.
“In spite of great work by our agencies, organizations, and policymakers to reverse declines in native animals and native plants, the list of species at risk continues to grow,” Wilcox said. “Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation are the leading causes of species imperilment. Many iconic animals across the state are losing space to roam and experiencing increased exposure to hazards associated with roadways, including the endangered ocelot and the Texas tortoise.”
Wilcox lauded TxDOT efforts to build ocelot crossings in south Texas. According to her, these projects have correlated with a reduction in ocelot mortality. Furthermore, ocelot crossings are being used by an array of other species. For Wilcox, wildlife crossings protect the interests of both wildlife and people.
“We have a collective duty of care to reduce these collisions for the safety and wellbeing of humans and animals,” she said. “The inclusion of wildlife crossings in the UTP just makes good sense. It represents an investment in the reduction of harms: bodily, economic, and ecological.”
After the conclusion of public testimony, the commissioners unanimously approved the 2025 UTP, unfortunately without making changes. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center will continue to urge TxDOT to incorporate wildlife crossings into its plans and work with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas Research & Policy Center
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside and received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.