In Los Angeles County, a monumental project is underway to address the issue of animal-human conflict. The construction of a 64-meter-long bridge over an eight-lane highway is set to be completed in 2025. This ambitious project aims to provide a safe passage for various animals to move between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills in the Santa Susana range, while also reducing the risk of collisions with vehicles for drivers and passengers.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project is a collaboration between multiple entities including Caltrans, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Federation. Construction began on Earth Day two years ago and recently reached a significant milestone with the placement of the first bridge section above the highway. The overpass will span over 8 lanes of traffic and will eventually be filled with vegetation, including over a million native plants, to attract wildlife. Additionally, trees will be planted on nearly 5 hectares on both sides of the overpass to create a natural habitat for animals.
The main focus of the project is to improve the lives of mountain lions, who face challenges due to freeways in Los Angeles limiting their movement and leading to inbreeding in some areas. Mountain lions need large territories to thrive but are confined in smaller areas due to urban expansion. The story of P-22, a famous mountain lion who roamed Griffith Park in Los Angeles, has highlighted this struggle faced by these animals. P-22’s tragic end has inspired efforts like this one to create safe passages for wildlife.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project not only aims to benefit wildlife but also improve road safety for drivers and passengers by reducing collisions with animals caused by their migration patterns across highways. With its completion in 2025, it is hoped that this monumental effort will make a significant impact on preserving biodiversity in Los Angeles County and ensuring that endangered species like mountain lions continue to thrive in their natural habitats.