Liberty Canyon Wildlife Overpass is a Realtiy

US Person has posted previously about the need for cougars to cross the road in Southern California to maintain a healthy population in the mountains surrounding LA. {08.12.18}A wildlife crossing overpass of the 101 Freeway may finally be a reality thanks to the tireless efforts of cougar advocates. Funded mostly by private money, the Angora Hills overpass will allow cougars to access habitat without risking their lives and colliding with some 300,000 cars a day that will pass beneath. Cougars will be able to have dates without being frustrated by traffic. The crossing sets a precedent since it is the largest overpass dedicated to wildlife in the US. The $87 million dollar bridge entered its final design stage this summer. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2023. Construction will take place mostly at night, so as to minimize traffic impacts.

P-22, the male cat who has become famous for living in a Hollywood park, will probably not use the overpass since his territory is cut off by human settlement, but he has become the "poster boy" for the project. [photo] Officials say naming rights may be auctioned off to a human Hollywood star who makes a significant contribution to the project.  So far about $13.5 million has been raised.  Public funds will pay for 20% of the project.  Public support for overpass has been nearly unanimous, unusual for a transportation project. The crossing will be landscaped so as to blend both sides of the protected topography, and buffer crossing animals from traffic noise and lights.  The project architect is working with wildlife biologists to harmonize the structure with Nature.

Wildlife crossings are common in Europe and Canada, but only one other crossing occurs in California.  The first, near Temecula, CA opened last October without fanfare, but is smaller than the one in Liberty Canyon, now very aptly named.