Drivers in Southern California are facing some new challenges as a significant roadway in Calabasas has been closed for the construction of a wildlife bridge that’s expected to be the most expensive of its kind globally.
The specific stretch of Agoura Road, located between Rondell Street and Hyde Park Drive, was shut down on Friday and will see a repeat closure on Wednesday, as was confirmed recently.
This closure is part of the ongoing work on the Wallis-Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which has a hefty price tag of $114 million.
Officials are advising people to plan their travels accordingly and to allow extra time, as the closures will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Motorists are encouraged to use US 101 from Chesebro Road to Liberty Canyon Road and to follow the detour signs that are posted.
During the closure, shuttle services will be available at no cost, running every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to transportation officials.
This construction follows the recent closure of the northbound I-101 entrance ramp at Liberty Canyon due to ongoing work in that area.
The goal of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is to foster ecosystem restoration by reconnecting wildlife that have been separated by roads.
Interestingly, this project was initially projected to cost around $92 million and was expected to be finished by 2025.
A campaign, inspired by the famous mountain lion P-22, began in 2014 to raise awareness and support for these wildlife crossings. P-22, who passed away in 2024, made headlines when he crossed both Highways 405 and 101 to reach Griffith Park from the Santa Monica Mountains in 2012.
The story of P-22, and the public response to it, played a significant role in garnering private donations for the bridge’s construction.
Measuring 210 feet in length and 174 feet in width, the bridge will be made from 26 million pounds of concrete, able to support up to four feet of soil with thousands of native plants planted on top.
Laurie Skea of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy expressed excitement about reaching what she described as a “final critical step” toward facilitating safe wildlife passage across Highway 101 and preserving habitat connectivity.
Current expectations indicate that the bridge will officially open on December 2nd.
