By Ricardo Roura
Apr 15, 2024, 16:55 PM EDT
Since the night of this Monday, April 15 and for several weeks, certain portions of Highway 101 (US-101) in Agoura Hills remain closed as crews work on construction of a long-awaited wildlife crossing.
The works will be between Chesebro Road and Liberty Canyon Roadin the construction project of the so-called Wallis Annenberg Wildlife CrossingCaltrans reported.
*Reminder*
All lanes of SB US-101 will close from Chesebro Rd to Liberty Cyn Rd from 11pm-4am Mon-Fri for several weeks starting Mon 4/15. Virtual meeting open to the public on Mon 4/15 from 4 pm to 5pm at: https://t.co/k14l2ep2hE
Phone 1-408-418-9388
Access code: 249 882 34807 pic.twitter.com/sWMocv54Qs— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 15, 2024
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will become a bridge so animals can cross the highwayjust west of Liberty Canyon Road.
According to Caltrans, this wildlife crossing It will be the largest in the United States.
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The 101 Freeway separates the Santa Monica Mountains from the Simi Hills, Santa Susana Mountain Range, where many species of animals live.
“US-101 is a formidable and virtually impenetrable barrier for many species of wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes and deer that inhabit and travel between these two mountain ranges,” Caltrans said.
“In particular, mammals with large ranges, such as pumas and lynxes, They need large, connected habitats to hunt, reproduce and thrive“Caltrans added.
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The closures are reported to begin with the southbound lanes. The suspension of vehicular traffic will take place every night. starting at 11:59 pm this Monday, April 15, until 5:00 am the next day.
According to Caltrans, the first phase of construction of the wildlife crossing is expected to lasts between six and eight weeks.
Given the closure of the highway, Caltrans recommended the detour through Chesebro Road to Agoura Road, and return to Highway 101 at Liberty Canyon Road.
As soon as work is completed on that side of the highway, construction work Northbound lanes of Highway 101 will begin to close during all the nights.
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During the second highway closure, the recommended detour is exit at Liberty Canyon Road and then take Agoura Road to re-enter US-101 at Chesebro Road.
It was reported that These detours are for those traveling locally. To avoid delays related to wildlife crossing construction, Caltrans suggests a detour taking state routes 23 and 118 to Interstate 405.
Keep reading: California to build world’s largest wildlife crossing
On social networks, it was reported that This Monday, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, there will be a virtual meeting open to the public to address the issue of closing Highway 101.
To join the meeting, the link is offered: https://tinyurl.com/US101Meeting, and by telephone at 1-408-418-9388, with the access code 249 882 34807.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is expected to be completely completed by the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
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