Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Wildlife crossings

  • Exploring California’s largest vegetated bridge

    Exploring California’s largest vegetated bridge

    Construction on the United States’ largest vegetated bridge is well underway. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a raised overpass covered with trees and greenery that will offer local wildlife almost an acre of safe passage across California’s busy US 101 Ventura freeway. 

    Aerial view of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

    Chicago-based Rock Design Associates designed the $92 million project, which will allow animals to move freely between the Santa Monica Mountains and Sierra Madre Range that border the busy highway without being struck and killed by the 300,000 motorists who use it daily. 

    The first of 82 girders went up in April. Weighing 126 and 140 tons each, the structures will span all ten lanes of the Ventura freeway. The overpass will measure 210 feet long and 174 feet wide and is scheduled for completion in late 2025 or early 2026. 

    The US has over 48,756 miles of freeways. These large swaths of pavement are efficient forms of transportation for humans moving from point A to point B, but they also bisect wildlife corridors, placing artificial boundaries in regions where animals used to roam freely. The result is an estimated 1-2 million wildlife collisions yearly as deer, bears, foxes, and cougars try to cross busy roads.

    The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing reflects an increased global focus on reducing wildlife collisions, following effective interventions elsewhere. Canada’s Banff National Park currently boasts the greatest number of wildlife crossings in the world, with 44 wildlife crossing structures (six overpasses and 38 underpasses), some dating back 20 years, which have reduced wildlife deaths by 80%.  

    Highway view of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

    Those involved with the overpass project hope to see similar results in Los Angeles County. In a press release, Wallis Annenberg, President, Chairman, and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, said, “Wildlife crossings restore ecosystems that had been fractured and disrupted. They reconnect lands and species that are aching to be whole. I believe these crossings go beyond mere conservation toward a kind of environmental rejuvenation that is long overdue.” 

    Construction represents a tangible step towards completing a project that’s been ten years in the making. Fundraising for the wildlife crossing began in 2014 as a joint effort between the National Wildlife Federation, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, and the #SaveLACougars campaign.

    Cougars—also known as mountain lions or pumas—are believed to be especially affected by the reduced movement caused by freeways and the genetic isolation that occurs due to being trapped within one geographic area. Southern Californian mountain lions currently show some of the lowest documented rates of genetic diversity for the species and have a 25% chance of becoming extinct within the next 50 years. 

    Dr. Seth Riley, Wildlife Branch Chief for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, says, “This is a vital crossing in one of the last undeveloped areas on the 101, and building a safe passage gives us a chance to ensure the future of the mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Angeles area.” 

    Those wanting to track construction progress can tune into live webcams on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Website. 

    Like this and want more? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for updates on the latest industry projects.

  • MDOT submits funding request to study wildlife crossing hotspots

    MDOT submits funding request to study wildlife crossing hotspots

    The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has submitted a funding request to study wildlife crossing hotspots across the state. This initiative is part of an effort to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions, which pose risks to drivers and wildlife. MDOT is seeking federal funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, a grant program designed to support state and local efforts to minimize vehicle-wildlife crashes.

    The proposed study would identify high-traffic areas where wildlife commonly crosses roadways, with the goal of understanding where to implement measures such as wildlife crossings, underpasses, or fencing. These strategies have proven successful in other parts of the country, reducing collisions and allowing safer passage for deer, elk, and smaller species.

    Example of a wildlife crossing to facilitate the safe movement of wildlife across roadways and prevent vehicle-wildlife collisions.

    MDOT’s funding request highlights the importance of addressing this issue, as Michigan experiences a significant number of vehicle crashes involving wildlife each year. According to MDOT, more than 55,000 vehicle-wildlife collisions occur annually in the state, resulting in numerous injuries, property damage, and the deaths of thousands of animals. This initiative aims to create safer roads for Michigan residents while protecting wildlife populations.

    Paul Ajegba, MDOT’s director, emphasized that the project would focus on areas most affected by these collisions. The department plans to collaborate with wildlife experts, local communities, and transportation authorities to develop effective solutions. MDOT hopes the study will provide data to inform future infrastructure projects designed to reduce these incidents.

    The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program is part of a larger federal initiative to enhance roadway safety and preserve biodiversity. With Michigan’s diverse wildlife and expansive road networks, the results of this study could set the foundation for broader efforts across the state. MDOT expects to begin the study in the coming year if the funding is approved.

    MDOT has been working on roadway safety improvements for years, but this initiative marks the first focused attempt to address the issue of wildlife collisions through targeted infrastructure. The department remains optimistic that the funding request will be approved, allowing them to move forward with the project and implement solutions that will benefit both drivers and wildlife in Michigan.

    This initiative reflects growing national attention to the issue of wildlife-vehicle collisions. States like Colorado and Montana have already implemented wildlife crossings and underpasses, which have reduced accidents. If successful, Michigan’s efforts could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.