Construction is underway along I-4 near the State Road 557 interchange in Polk County on a $71 million project to create a wildlife corridor, that will eventually allow bears, panthers, bobcats, and others to move safely underneath the interstate. Florida Department of Transportation engineer Brent Setchell tells News Channel 8 this will re-connect two sides of the Hilochee Wildlife Management area. "The wildlife on this side of I-4 hasn't seen the wildlife on that side of I-4 in 50 years, and so, being able to get that genetic diversity is very important to all species."
The project is designed not only for the safety of wildlife, but for those behind the wheel, too. "Unfortunately, we've had a few black bears hit on I-4," Setchell said. "Nobody wants to hit a black bear with their car. It's a 400-pound animal that'll do some damage."
Construction should be finished sometime next year.
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