Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Nears Completion On December 2

The $114 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over Highway 101 in Agoura Hills, California, is on track to open to wildlife on December 2, 2026, although heavy rain could delay the opening. Crews are finishing the connection between the freeway bridge and an adjoining crossing over Agoura Road.

Progressing Through Construction Phases

By early October, crews had completed the smaller bridge structure over Agoura Road. The remaining work includes connecting the two crossings with soil and preparing the surrounding market for wildlife.

The second construction stage includes utility relocation, earthwork, restoration of surrounding habitat and landscaping around Agoura Road, according to details archived by Yahoo News.

Construction began in April 2022. The main freeway span was completed in June 2025, while the second stage includes the Agoura Road crossing and surrounding habitat restoration.

Heavy rainfall during earlier construction seasons contributed to delays that pushed the original 2025 opening target into 2026.

Addressing Ecological Isolation

Highway 101 separates wildlife populations in the Santa Monica Mountains from habitat in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains. The crossing is designed to give mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and other animals a safer passage between those areas, helping address the genetic isolation of local mountain lions.

Heavy rainfall remains the main threat to the December opening. Wet conditions could delay the movement and compaction of soil needed to connect the new bridge sections and surrounding hillsides.