By Jeff Vaughn California’s long-awaited wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills is now expected to open December 2.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing was originally budgeted at $93 million. That price tag has climbed to $114 million, and the project is already running behind schedule. But there’s another twist.
Researchers are using specialized tracking collars to monitor wildlife, measuring heart rates, body temperatures, movement and physiological stress. The goal is to determine how animals respond to the freeway crossing and whether the bridge actually reduces their stress. The crossing is designed to reconnect habitats for mountain lions, bears and other wildlife separated by the busy freeway.
Researchers say the monitoring will help determine whether the crossing improves wildlife movement and reduces stress.
And after spending $114 million, apparently California wants to make sure the mountain lions are emotionally satisfied with their new commute.
