The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, designed to aid animals like mountain lions, deer, and bobcats in safely traversing the 101 Freeway, reached a significant milestone on Monday, as workers began laying the first layers of soil on the overpass. Located in Agoura Hills, California, this crossing will be the largest of its kind in the world.
The crossing aims to reconnect wildlife habitats that have been fragmented by urban development. It will span the 10-lane freeway, allowing animals to roam freely between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The project is particularly important for small puma populations, which have been isolated by the freeway, leading to genetic issues and birth defects. Although it is too late to benefit Los Angeles’ famous mountain lion, P-22, who was euthanized in 2022, the crossing will help other wildlife expand their territories for food and mating.
The construction of the bridge began on Earth Day 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2026. The $92-million project, largely funded by the Annenberg Foundation, stands 21 feet and 8 inches above the freeway and stretches 200 feet long and 165 feet wide. According to the Los Angeles Times, Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency, emphasized the importance of creating connectivity between habitats to protect biodiversity.
The soil being placed consists of sandy loam mixed with lightweight volcanic aggregate, requiring 6,000 cubic yards to cover the crossing. Native plants, including coastal sage, buckwheat, and wildflowers, will be planted to create a natural habitat. The National Wildlife Federation describes this project as a global model for urban wildlife conservation. The next phase, scheduled for May, involves planting about 5,000 native plants to support various species, including mountain lions and monarch butterflies.
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