NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – More than two years after finalizing a roadmap to keep drivers from hitting wild animals on New Mexico highways, NMDOT is now millions of dollars into some big plans that could lead to the first wildlife bridges being built in the state. “We are looking at actually investing state funds in building dedicated structures specifically for the animals. So, like the Raton Pass, looking at larger underpasses, larger drainage, and also wildlife overpasses as well,” said Trent Botkin with the New Mexico Department of Transportation at Friday's New Mexico State Game Commission meeting. After seeing success at the New Mexico/Colorado state line with one of NMDOT’s first wildlife underpasses, state road officials are now working on bigger plans to target roadway hotspots where animals like Elk and Mule Deer are getting hit by cars. The goal is to preserve animal migration routes while protecting drivers from crashes. Prehistoric ‘demon-toothed’ fish discovered in New Mexico One of the areas they're focusing on is a stretch of Highway 550 north of Cuba. “Certainly within the entire study area we've seen just police reports alone hundreds of vehicle strikes within this area,” said Botkin. That 15-mile crossing project is being broken up into at least four phases which could include as many as eight wildlife under and overpasses. If built, the overpasses would be the first in the state. NMDOT is also targeting other hotspots like I-25 near the Glorieta Pass, U.S. 70 through Tularosa, and NM 48 within Ruidoso. "Of course with current construction inflation rates, we're really chasing the amount of money that it requires.” However, state data shows crashes are also costing New Mexicans with 2020 estimates showing elk-related car crashes cost more than $3 million. Some are pushing the state to get these projects done quickly. “It's time that we get some of these crossings constructed so that your great work on this issue is not wasted because planning without implementation doesn't solve the problem,” said Jesse Deubel with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation during Friday's meeting. So far, the state Department of Transportation is still looking for money to fund the build-out of all of their top priority wildlife crossing projects.