California's busy 101 freeway faces nightly closures for wildlife bridge construction project

To assist commuters during construction, Caltrans has provided a detour map outlining alternate routes.Photo byCaltrans

Commuters and residents in the Agoura Hills area are advised to prepare for significant nightly closures on the 101 Freeway starting Monday night as construction continues on what is billed as the world's largest wildlife crossing.

Caltrans announced that all lanes of the 101 Freeway will be shut down between Chesebro Road and Liberty Canyon Road for several hours each night from Monday through Friday, between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., over the next several weeks. These closures are necessary to allow crews to install dozens of concrete beams that will form the structure of the wildlife crossing.

The wildlife crossing project aims to connect two natural landscapes that have been divided by one of the nation's busiest highways, providing a safe passage for wildlife and mitigating the impact of the freeway on local ecosystems. Once completed, the crossing will span more than 200 feet in length and 165 feet in width over the 101 Freeway.

To assist commuters during construction, Caltrans has provided a detour map outlining alternate routes. One recommended option is to use State Route 118, located further north of the closure, to navigate around the affected Agoura Hills and Calabasas areas.

This phase of construction is expected to conclude in the coming weeks. However, Caltrans has announced that additional closures will be necessary in the same area during the fall to continue work on subsequent phases of the wildlife crossing project.

The completion of this ambitious project signifies a significant milestone in efforts to preserve local wildlife and enhance environmental connectivity in the region. The wildlife crossing is anticipated to play a crucial role in promoting ecological balance and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and motorists traveling along the 101 Freeway.