Agoura Hills motorists, brace yourselves for weeks of nighttime detours as the construction of the world's largest wildlife crossing temporarily shuts down the 101 Freeway. Starting Monday, stretches of roadway will be closed off between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., as crew members hoist concrete beams into place for the new habitat-connecting structure, KTLA reports. The closures, which are part of a grand scheme to link the Santa Monica Mountains wildlife with more territory, will begin with the southbound lanes next to Liberty Canyon Road.
Seeking to curb the genetic isolation among indigenous species like mountain lions and coyotes, the crossing dubbed the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, spans more than 200 feet above one of the nation's busiest thoroughfares. While, according to NBC Los Angeles, commuters will have to navigate the construction schedule, this is more than a makeshift bridge—it's about stitching together fragmented wilderness, officials say.
The logistics of this major undertaking involve placing 82 massive girders that will form the backbone of the wildlife bridge. Announcing the project details, KTLA indicates that this phase of closure will persist for several weeks through both spring and fall, with a fall hiatus before the next stage of construction ramps up. For those who need to keep moving, detour options are being laid out, including taking State Route 118 to skirt around the affected sections.
Beth Pratt of the National Wildlife Federation echoed the sentiment of Agoura Hills Mayor Illece Buckley Weber by emphasizing the significance of this crossing, stating "This bridge is really a hopeful project," according to an NBC Los Angeles interview. The groundbreaking project, with a hefty $92 million price tag, is not just a local venture but a precedent-setting work for conservation efforts nationwide.
In addition to road closures, a virtual meeting has been organized to inform the public about the project details and how the closures will impact their daily commute. The event, accessible through a link provided by KTLA, is slated for anyone interested in learning more about the construction. Caltrans also shared their contact number for any direct inquiries regarding the disruption and navigation alternatives.
