Construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills has achieved a significant milestone, as workers began laying soil over the massive bridge spanning the 101 Freeway on Monday.

Aerial footage captured by Sky5 showcased crews spreading more than 6,000 cubic yards of soil across the structure, marking a major step forward in the effort to provide safe passage for wildlife across the 10-lane freeway.

Largest Wildlife Crossing of Its Kind

Stretching over 200 feet long and 165 feet wide, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is billed as the largest wildlife overpass in the world. The bridge is designed to connect two vast natural habitats that have long been divided by one of the nation’s busiest highways, helping to reduce deadly animal-vehicle collisions and protect local wildlife populations.

Funding and Support

The project is backed by a mix of public and private funding. While private donors contributed $34 million, the state of California has allocated more than $58 million toward the initiative. Initially, the total project cost was estimated at over $90 million.

Governor Gavin Newsom reaffirmed the importance of the project and announced last May that the wildlife crossing is expected to be completed and open for use by early 2026.

Addressing Wildlife Conservation Concerns

The need for the bridge was underscored last year when a mountain lion was found dead less than a mile from the construction site. Conservationists and biologists have long advocated for safer crossings to protect California’s mountain lions, deer, coyotes, and other native species whose movements have been restricted by urban development and freeways.

Environmental and Ecological Benefits

Wildlife crossings like this one are increasingly recognized as crucial tools in conservation. Studies show that properly designed crossings can dramatically reduce vehicle-animal collisions while maintaining genetic diversity among species that might otherwise become isolated.

As construction progresses, additional elements will be added to the bridge, including native vegetation and fencing designed to guide animals toward the crossing. The final design will create a seamless blend with the surrounding landscape, making the transition as natural as possible for wildlife.

With progress well underway, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is set to become a global model for wildlife conservation and infrastructure planning, proving that urban development and environmental protection can coexist harmoniously.

Originally reported by Will Conybeare in KTLA 5.