The world's largest wildlife crossing and five others are coming to Southern California

Several wildlife crossings are being built across Southern California to reconnect fragmented habitats and improve safe movement for wildlife. A $114-million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills is under construction and is scheduled to open in December after delays. The crossing will span ten lanes of traffic with a 210-foot vegetated bridge, addressing the 101’s role as a major barrier to wildlife movement near Los Angeles. Planning is also underway for two crossings in the Mojave Desert near the Morongo and Yucca grades on State Route 62, including areas near Joshua Tree National Park where highways disrupt habitat. Similar projects elsewhere have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions and supported biodiversity.

"Several new wildlife crossings are underway in Southern California, including a $114-million project in Agoura Hills that is set to open over the 101 Freeway later this year. Planning has also begun for two smaller crossings in the Mojave Desert and three more spanning Interstate 15. Conservationists and policy makers are cooperating to build the crossings, which will allow mountain lions, bighorn sheep and black bears to safely move about their environment."

"Construction for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway began in 2022 and and is scheduled to open in December after delays. It will be the world's largest, covering ten lanes of traffic with 210 feet of vegetated bridge. "With projects like this, we're reconnecting and restoring habitats so future generations can continue to enjoy California's unmatched natural beauty," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement."

"The 101 is a major divider of wildlife habitat, particularly where the bridge will be built over a heavily traveled route northwest of Los Angeles. The governor's office said the crossing will help preserve several species, including the threatened mountain lion population in Los Angeles County. Mountain lions' numbers have been dwindling as healthy lions get killed by vehicles while trying to access other areas, experts say."

"About 150 miles to the east, two crossings are planned near the Morongo and Yucca grades on State Route 62. The bridges will offer safe passage for wildlife near Joshua Tree National Park, where the highway disrupts the habitat for deer and other animals. The Mojave Desert Land Trust has been leading an effort to build the crossing"

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