The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project in Los Angeles County is a 64-meter-long bridge that aims to address the issue of animal-human conflict. Over one million collisions between wild animals and vehicles occur in the United States each year, resulting in 200 deaths and 26,000 injuries for drivers and passengers. This ambitious project is set to be completed by 2025 and will provide a safe passage for various animals to move between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills in the Santa Susana range.
The $92 million 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 eight 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 five hectares on both sides of the overpass to create a natural habitat for animals.
The main focus of this project is to improve the lives of mountain lions, who face challenges due to freeways 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, who roamed in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, has highlighted these struggles faced by these animals. P-22’s tragic end has inspired efforts like this one to create safe passages for wildlife like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project.
This project not only aims to benefit wildlife but also improve road safety for drivers and passengers by reducing collisions with animals. With completion expected by 2025, it hopes that a significant impact will be made in preserving biodiversity and ensuring endangered species’ survival like mountain lions.
In conclusion, this ambitious project aimed at constructing an overpass across Highway 101 is an effort towards creating safe passage for wildlife while improving road safety for drivers and passengers alike. With its success expected by 2025, it promises significant benefits not just for wildlife but also for people living near it.
Overall, this massive undertaking highlights how human development must take into account not just our needs but those of nature as well if we hope to maintain harmony between them.