LOS ANGELES – Caltrans and the National Wildlife Federation today announced that the final phase of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing has begun. The world’s largest wildlife crossing will connect open space on both sides of US 101 in Agoura Hills and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
“Today, the state is beginning the final phase of construction for what will soon be the largest urban wildlife crossing in the world – all thanks to the visionary work of state, federal, and private partners,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will soon protect Los Angeles’ native wildlife and over 300,000 drivers daily, as well as provide a cutting-edge model for urban wildlife conservation.”
“Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership and with partnered organizations like the National Wildlife Federation, California is setting a new standard for wildlife conservation and infrastructure development,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “This crossing, the world’s largest, will not only protect our precious wildlife but also enhance the safety and connectivity of our transportation network.”
The final phase of this project includes extending the wildlife crossing over a two-lane local road. The work involves significant earthmoving, restoration of natural hydrology, protection of heritage oak trees and coordination with multiple agencies to relocate essential utilities along the freeway corridor.
“The start of phase two on this visionary effort is proof positive that with bold ideas, hard work and a healthy reverence for our natural world, people can create real solutions to improve highway safety for both humans and the majestic wildlife,” said Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts.
Phase two, the final phase in the construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, will create the connecting structure over Agoura Road and restore habitat to protect natural water flowlines and heritage oak trees near US 101.
The first phase of construction was completed this year and included over 26 million pounds of concrete, 82 bridge girders, vegetated sound walls, habitat rock features and living soils to support native plant growth. In April, Caltrans and partners placed 6,000 cubic yards of living soil across the bridge structure in preparation for planting this fall. The planting will include over 50 native species and restore wildlife habitat both on the crossing and in surrounding open-space areas.
The public is invited to follow construction on the bridge in real-time through its dedicated webcam and learn more about the Save LA Cougar’s #P22Legacy Campaign phase here and the Wildlife Crossing Fund.
How we got here
On Earth Day 2022, Governor Newsom participated in the groundbreaking for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a public-private partnership of monumental scope that has leveraged the expertise and leadership of dozens of organizations and institutions to protect and restore wildlife habitats in Southern California.
Wildlife crossings of all kinds are essential to building a network of interconnected conserved lands and waters that protect and restore biodiversity while also supporting transportation infrastructure.
Habitat connectivity provided by wildlife crossings is critical to the success of California’s 30×30 targets and allows people and nature to thrive together.
To learn more about how infrastructure projects are transforming communities throughout California, visit build.ca.gov.