I am deeply invested in Connecticut's natural beauty and landscape, which we share with our local wildlife. A personal concern for me is the significant number of car accidents involving deer on our roads, particularly the Merritt Parkway (CT-15). These unfortunate incidents are not only distressing for drivers but undermine the peaceful coexistence we strive to maintain with our state's wildlife.

Introducing wildlife bridges across CT-15 can be a game changer. According to research by Wyoming's Department of Transportation, areas that have implemented wildlife crossings witnessed a 85% decrease in wildlife-vehicle collisions (WYDOT, 2018). If Connecticut were to adopt such measures, we could save drivers from unnecessary stress, time spent recovering from accidents, and substantial monetary loss.  Not only that, we would save the state money on cleaning up these accidents. 

By including wildlife bridges in our infrastructure planning, we would not only be making our roads safer for drivers, but also demonstrating our commitment to respect and protect the wildlife that makes our state so unique. We have an opportunity to create a better symbiosis, one that acknowledges both the needs of our residents and the animals that call Connecticut home.

A wildlife bridge not only helps larger animals like deer- but even bees!  Bees can travel over wildlife bridges to pollinate plants across the highway they otherwise could not travel to  

I urge you to consider the value of wildlife bridges on the Merritt Parkway as a long-term investment in the safety and harmony of our state. Sign the petition to encourage the state government and relevant authorities to take action in this direction.