New wildlife overpass in Radium to help keep drivers, sheep safe

A new wildlife overpass along Highway 93/95 south of Radium Hot Springs, BC is designed to reduce collisions involving one of the area’s last viable bighorn sheep herds.

“Highway 93/95 is an important route for people and communities in the area,” said Mike Farnworth, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit. “By reducing collisions between vehicles and Radium’s bighorn sheep herd and other wildlife, we’re making a busy transportation corridor safer and enabling the long-term health of travellers and the area’s four-legged inhabitants.”

Conservation groups say the Radium herd is one of the last viable herds of bighorn sheep in the area. To mitigate the risk to wildlife and drivers, the new overpass includes:

• a 34-metre-wide steel and concrete arch, creating a safe crossing point for wildlife over the busy highway
• six kilometres of wildlife fencing and gates to guide animals towards the structure and prevent animals from entering traffic lanes

Animals began using the 34-metre overpass in 2025 even before construction was complete, demonstrating its benefit in reducing collisions and supporting a strong ecosystem.

The overpass is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to protect wildlife and enhance road safety in the region, where collisions between vehicles and bighorn sheep have been a growing concern. To date, the ministry has installed more than 600 kilometres of wildlife exclusion fencing throughout B.C., more than any other transportation agency in North America. B.C. also has the most wildlife overpasses in Canada.

“Radium’s bighorn sheep are part of what makes this area so special, and it’s wonderful to see them already using this new overpass,” said Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “This project is a great example of people coming together to care for wildlife, support the recovery of a beloved local herd and make the roads safer for everyone travelling through Radium Hot Springs.”

The project was delivered by the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Parks Canada, the Shuswap Band, the Ktunaxa Nation Council, the Village of Radium, Elk Valley Resources, ICBC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, reflecting the shared commitment to conservation and community safety.

Featured image: (BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit)