Work is expected to begin next year on an estimated $13.5 million project on U.S Highway 550, which will include a wildlife underpass and fencing near the Billy Creek State Wildlife Area and a southbound passing lane near the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk campground at Ridgway State Park.

The project is a collaboration between the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and will connect about 12 miles of wildlife mitigation features along the highway. The fencing and crossing will ...