After years of planning and anticipation, the world’s largest wildlife crossing is coming to Highway 101 in Agoura Hills.
New aerial imagery released by state transportation officials shows the first phase of construction of sound walls and concrete barriers on both sides of the bridge deck, which spans eight lanes along the Santa Monica Mountains.
The installation of the steel beams was completed back in April, and crews have since been assembling wooden formwork and placing rebar in preparation for the concrete pour.
The $92 million wildlife crossing, officially known as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, broke ground in 2022 and is expected to be completed in early 2026. ft. bridge will be the largest in the passage.
Earlier this summer, a mountain lion was killed not far from a crossing being constructed.
Scientists and conservationists say the wildlife crossing is important for restoring the small, isolated cougar population trapped south of the highway in the Santa Monica Mountains and those confined to the Simi Mountains and northern Santa Susana Mountains Gene flow between them is also crucial.
There are also signs that other animals have begun using the passage, and a local plant nursery is preparing to plant native sage, shrubs, milkweed and other vegetation on the bridge.
Construction activity is still ongoing, and Caltrans officials note that daytime ramp closures at the 101 Liberty Canyon Road southbound ramp and the 101 Liberty Canyon northbound ramp may be intermittently closed Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. .
Live traffic updates and road closures can be found at QuickMap.dot.ca.gov.
A webcam is also available on the project website, where you can track construction progress and spot passing wildlife.
