Here are some facts!
When Will it be Done and How Much Did it Cost?
The Wildlife Ordinance project, specifically the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, is expected to be completed by 2025. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $90 million. The crossing will be built over the 101 Freeway at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA. The 200-foot bridge and Liberty Canyon site preparation will cost an estimated $90 million with over half coming from private donations. The Annenberg Foundation gave $25 million.
How Do Animals Know Where to Cross?
Wildlife crossings use natural landscape features and fencing to guide animals to the crossing points. Animals are attracted by the continuity of their natural habitat.
Local Residents' Concerns
Some local residents are concerned that the wildlife crossing might bring predators like cougars into their neighborhoods. However, experts believe that properly managed crossings will reduce such risks by providing safe passages away from residential areas.
How Wide Is It? The The 200-foot bridge Agoura bridge will span 10 lanes of roadway including the freeway and Agoura Road. It will be the largest of its kind in the world, the first What Is the Largest Animal Crossing in California?of its kind in California, and a global model for urban wildlife conservation, officials said.
What Is the Largest Animal Crossing in California? The world's largest wildlife crossing is getting closer to becoming a reality.The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing outside Los Angeles is anticipated to open by early 2026, providing a safe and sustainable passage for mountain lions and other animals over Highway 101. Los Angeles, California
Who Is Paying for the Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills? The funding for the project is done through a “public-private partnership,” according to the Governor's Office, with the state providing $58.1 million. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project began in April 2022 with a ceremonial groundbreaking setting it on a path for completion in 2025
Do Wildlife Corridors Have a Downside? Another concern about corridors is that they may increase predation rates. If prey are dispersing through corridors, this may provide the perfect bottleneck of which a predator can take advantage.
How Many States Have Wildlife Corridors? At least 12 states have enacted legislation or issued an executive order on wildlife corridors in recent years—California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming
What Is the Current Status of Project? The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing broke ground on Earth Day, April 22, 2022.
You can watch the groundbreaking video at https://savelacougars.org/groundbreaking/
and download the commemorative booklet at https://savelacougars.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WAWC_Booklet_F_Spreads.pdf
Due to construction logistics and other factors like the need to relocate utilities, the construction of the crossing will be completed in two stages:
Stage 1: Section over the 101 Freeway. Construction began in spring of 2022
Stage 2: Section over Agoura Road: Design anticipated to be completed in 2023; construction to begin in 2024.
Completion of the entire wildlife crossing is estimated for late 2025.
Will the 101 Freeway Be Closed During Construction? No full freeway closures are anticipated. We will have few nighttime directional (one direction at a time) closures between 12 am and 5 am. During the closures, traffic will be detoured on to the Agoura Road.
Where Did the Idea for a Wildlife Crossing at Liberty Canyon Come From? In 1987, a study identified Agoura Hills to Hidden Hills as one of the three key choke points in the area for safe animal passageways. In the early 1990s, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy prepared a report, “Critical Wildlife Corridor/Habitat Linkage Areas Between the Santa Susana Mountains, the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains” and hosted a seminar “Carving Out Wildlife Corridors.”
Will People Be Able to Use the Crossing as Well? During the public engagement process, the community heavily supported planning that would allow wildlife every opportunity for safe passage, and it was decided that there would be no trails or public access. However, the crossing will be seen along the recreation trails that are in the area, and a viewing platform will be built to facilitate optimal viewing, too.
For more Q&A and facts about the bridge, go here: https://101wildlifecrossing.org/crossing-faq/
