Southern California is set to open its massive wildlife crossing on December 2. The project, which spans the busy 101 Freeway, now costs $114 million. Organizers are charging a $10 fee for those who wish to attend the in-person ribbon-cutting ceremony at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a 210-foot-long and 174-foot-wide bridge. It contains 26 million pounds of concrete and supports native plants to help mountain lions and other animals move safely. The project aims to prevent wildlife populations in the Santa Monica Mountains from becoming isolated.
Funding and interest in the bridge grew after the story of P-22, a famous mountain lion that navigated major highways to reach Griffith Park, gained national attention. The National Wildlife Federation and the Wildlife Crossing Fund are managing the project and the upcoming event.
While the structure is now ready, the final price tag surpassed initial expectations. The project was originally budgeted at $92 million and scheduled for completion by 2025. Costs rose as crews worked through significant construction challenges near Liberty Canyon.
Tickets for the December 2 event are currently available online for $10 for adults and $5 for children. Organizers note that the opening is only the start of long-term research and habitat restoration efforts.