By The Associated Press

WELLS, Nev. (AP) -- State transportation officials say work should be completed by the end of the year on a $1.8 million wildlife overpass in northeast Nevada.

Workers this week were to finish installing the concrete base of the structure that will span U.S. 93 about 10 miles north of Wells.

After that, crews will apply weatherproofing, backfill, and construct a fence to guide big game animals to use the bridge and avoid the highway.

The overpass will be 66-feet wide, 162 feet long and nearly 23 feet tall. It will be fenced and covered in dirt and natural vegetation.

Officials say there were 40 vehicle-animal collisions along that highway between 2005 and 2008.

The project is being largely funded by federal stimulus money.

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Information from: Elko Daily Free Press, http://www.elkodaily.com

Copyright 2009 The AP.