The Californer - California enters final phase of construction on world's largest wildlife crossing

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~ Los Angeles, California - The final phase of construction on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which is set to become the world's largest wildlife crossing, has officially begun. Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that this monumental project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The wildlife crossing will connect open spaces on both sides of US Highway 101 in Agoura Hills and serve as a crucial preservation effort for Southern California's native wildlife. It will also provide a cutting-edge model for urban wildlife conservation.

Governor Newsom expressed his excitement for the project, stating, "Today, the state is beginning the final phase of construction for what will soon be the largest urban wildlife crossing in the world – all thanks to the visionary work of state, federal, and private partners. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will soon protect Los Angeles' native wildlife and over 300,000 drivers daily."

The final phase of construction includes extending the wildlife crossing over a two-lane local road. This involves significant earthmoving, restoration of natural hydrology, protection of heritage oak trees, and coordination with multiple agencies to relocate essential utilities along the freeway corridor.

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The first phase of construction was completed earlier this year and included over 26 million pounds of concrete, 82 bridge girders, vegetated sound walls, habitat rock features, and living soils to support native plant growth. In preparation for planting this fall, Caltrans and partners laid 6,000 cubic yards of living soil across the bridge structure. Over 50 native species will be planted to restore wildlife habitats both on the crossing and in surrounding open-space areas.

The public can follow along with real-time updates on the construction progress through a dedicated webcam.

This project has been a collaborative effort between various organizations and institutions since its groundbreaking on Earth Day in 2022. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of wildlife crossings in building a network of interconnected conserved lands and waters to protect and restore biodiversity while also supporting transportation infrastructure.

He stated, "The habitat connectivity provided by wildlife crossings is critical to the success of California's 30x30 targets and allows people and nature to thrive together."

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The construction of wildlife crossings is also a key part of Governor Newsom's "build more, faster" agenda, which aims to deliver infrastructure upgrades and create thousands of jobs across the state.

In other news, President Trump's deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles has resulted in a 32% decrease in California's National Guard fentanyl and drug interdiction force. This has raised concerns about public safety and weakened border fentanyl seizure operations.

On a positive note, California has awarded over $15 million to apprenticeship programs that provide high-paying job opportunities for youth without requiring a traditional education or four-year degree. Governor Newsom announced that 29 youth apprenticeship programs will receive funding to help connect young people with these valuable opportunities.

Three years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have sounded the alarm on President Trump's plan to defund Planned Parenthood. They warn that this would strip millions of Americans, especially low-income women, of access to essential healthcare services.

As California continues its efforts towards conservation and progress, these recent developments highlight the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives in creating a better future for all.

Filed Under: Government, State

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