Early Monday morning, CalTrans announced that the final stage of construction had begun on California’s wildlife crossing!
This crossing is the largest of its kind in the world and will not only improve safety for the millions of drivers who travel the 101 each year, but also help preserve the area’s native ecosystem.
The ambitious project began in 2022, and was recently spotted with its signage already installed.
According to an official press release, the final phase of this project includes extending the wildlife crossing over a two-lane local road, specifically Agoura Road in Agoura Hills. While smaller than the main structure over the freeway, this section is more complex due to the need for a stronger foundation and integration with the natural environment.
The work involves significant earthmoving to level the terrain, restoration of natural hydrology to ensure proper water flow, protection of mature heritage oak trees, and coordination with multiple agencies to relocate essential utilities along the freeway corridor. This phase also requires safeguarding an underground creek and reconfiguring infrastructure to support the crossing.
The initial phase of construction wrapped up earlier this year, involving more than 26 million pounds of concrete, 82 bridge girders, vegetated sound barriers, habitat rock formations, and living soils to promote native plant growth.
In April, Caltrans and its partners spread 6,000 cubic yards of living soil across the bridge structure to prepare for planting this fall. The upcoming planting will feature over 50 native species, restoring wildlife habitat both on the crossing and in nearby open spaces.
This innovative crossing is designed to help a diverse range of wildlife, native to the area, to pass through the 101 safely without altering its environment. Among the many animals that will benefit from this, the main species are mountain lions, coyotes, nearly 400 species of birds, and 35 species of reptiles and amphibians.
If everything goes according to plan and construction continues at the current pace, the crossing is expected to be ready for use by the end of this year.