California has launched the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a 64-meter-wide vegetated bridge over the US-101 highway in Los Angeles. With a cost of $114 million, its opening is scheduled for fall 2026. The structure aims to restore natural connectivity to the region using over 11.8 million kilograms of concrete and living soil with native plants that recreate the coastal sage scrub.
Concrete and living soil: engineering at the service of wildlife 🌿
The bridge is not a simple overpass. Its design includes a reinforced concrete base that supports a thick layer of soil and native vegetation. Engineers have calculated the slope, drainage, and soil density so that species like mountain lions, deer, and lizards can cross without deviation. Species of sage and local shrubs have been planted to integrate the structure with the surrounding landscape, reducing highway noise and light.
Mountain lions with GPS: the new luxury toll for wildlife 🐾
Now the mountain lions of Los Angeles will have to decide whether to cross the ecological bridge or keep playing Frogger on the US-101. Of course, the toll is expensive: $114 million paid by drivers (via taxes). But at least the animals won't have to worry about traffic, only about not running into a tourist taking selfies. Of course, the bridge's insurance does not cover accidents involving bears drunk on fermented berries.