The state’s first-ever land bridge will soon be completed right here in WNC.
The crossing along NC-143 at Stecoah Gap near Robbinsville will carry both wildlife and Appalachian Trail hikers over the road on a 220-foot-wide bridge covered in dirt, boulders, and native vegetation. Fencing guides animals toward the bridge while keeping foot traffic on a separate path. WLOS reports that the project is expected to wrap up this year.
Land bridges and other wildlife crossings are becoming increasingly popular across the US — and the Stecoah Gap wildlife crossing is part of a broader collaboration between the NCDOT and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for additional overpasses, underpasses, culverts, and fencing statewide.
Want to advocate for more local wildlife crossings? Check out ways to support Safe Passage’s mission to make roads safer for wildlife and drivers.
