Introduction to Wildlife Crossings
Wildlife crossings over freeways are rare, but there are other ways to let animals roam. A reader, Carol Clayman from Irvine, asked if a wildlife crossing would be built over the 5 Freeway in Irvine, in addition to a pedestrian bridge.
Response to Reader’s Question
The answer to Carol’s question is no, there are no plans for a wildlife crossing over an Orange County freeway. However, Caltrans works with other local and federal agencies to help wildlife move about, making small changes such as improving vegetation, reducing light and noise pollution. A decade ago, a fence was put in along the 241 Toll Road in the Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills area to keep mountain lions from trying to cross the highway.
Existing Wildlife Crossings
There are many under-crossings across the county allowing for wildlife movement. To the north in Agoura Hills, work is well underway on the $92 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing that will span the 101 Freeway and open next year. It will be covered by dirt and plants so mountain lions, deer, desert cottontails, bobcats, and other animals can safely go over the highway to another large patch of nature.
Caltrans was heavily involved, with donations covering a lot of the bill.
Other Infrastructure Projects
Another reader, Scott Mann, asked about the construction plans for the improvements to the 405 Freeway between the El Toro Y and the 55 Freeway. Improvements are on the drawing board, but they will take time. A regular lane on both sides of the 405 is coming to that 8.5-mile jaunt that cuts across Irvine, between the El Toro Y and the 55. The environmental study was finished in 2018, which is a key step, but when construction will start isn’t decided. The price tag will be an estimated $270 million.
Funding and Timeline
The half-cent transportation sales tax in the county will at least partially cover the bill, and the state and federal governments might kick in some cash as well. While no timeline has been set for construction, it is expected to be completed by 2041 as promised to voters in the sales-tax measure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are no plans for a wildlife crossing over an Orange County freeway, there are other efforts to help wildlife move about, such as improving vegetation and reducing pollution. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills is an example of a successful project that will allow animals to safely cross the highway. Other infrastructure projects, such as the improvements to the 405 Freeway, are also in the works, but will take time to complete.
FAQs
Q: Will they build a wildlife crossing over the 5 Freeway in Irvine?
A: No, there are no plans for a wildlife crossing over an Orange County freeway.
Q: What is the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing?
A: The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a $92 million project that will span the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills and allow animals to safely cross the highway.
Q: What are the plans for the 405 Freeway improvements?
A: A regular lane on both sides of the 405 is coming to the 8.5-mile jaunt that cuts across Irvine, between the El Toro Y and the 55, with an estimated price tag of $270 million.
Q: When will the 405 Freeway improvements be completed?
A: The project is expected to be completed by 2041.
