A wildlife crossing project over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills is finally underway. Crews broke ground on The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing on Earth Day, which was Friday, April 22. Once complete, it will be the largest wildlife crossing in the world.
“The new crossing will re-connect an entire ecosystem that has long been fragmented by an almost impenetrable barrier for wildlife,” officials said.
The path will allow animals to cross safely in and out of the Santa Monica Mountains. Biologists hope this will reduce vehicle deaths and diversify the mating pool for animals like mountain lions.
On Thursday, one day before the groundbreaking ceremony, a mountain lion was fatally struck along the 405 Freeway in the Brentwood area. P-97 is one of more than two dozen cougars to meet that fate since studies began 20 years ago.
The project will span 210 feet over 10 lanes of highway and pavement. The cost is estimated at around $87 million, much of which comes from private donations. Construction will mainly take place at night to minimize traffic disruptions.
Read more at NBC Los Angeles and KTLA.