The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, located in the United States, is poised to become the world's largest wildlife bridge. The animal crossing, which is currently being built, will link the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills over the bustling 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, California.
With a projected cost of $114million (£85million), the project is slated for completion by the end of 2026. Spanning ten lanes of traffic, the wildlife bridge will provide a safe passage for coyotes, cougars, deer, mountain lions and butterflies, reports the Express.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing said: "Of all the area roads, multiple research and planning efforts have identified the 101 Freeway as the most significant barrier to the ecological health of the region.
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"This crossing will re-connect an entire ecosystem that has long been fragmented by this almost impenetrable obstacle for wildlife.
"By building a wildlife crossing over the 10 lanes of freeway and an access road - in the last 1,600 feet in the area that possesses protected land north and south of the 101.
"This project will re-establish ecological connectivity for a multitude of native plant and animal species in the Santa Monica Mountains ecosystem."
Rorie Skei, Chief Deputy Director of Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, said: "The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy & MRCA are excited to enter this last critical phase in making a safe passage for wildlife across the 101 and delivering on our 30 plus years of work to preserve habitat linkages."
Additional wildlife bridges include the newly constructed Greenland overpass in Colorado, whilst the Gloucestershire Way bridge in the UK is scheduled for completion by 2027.
The Gloucestershire Way bridge will become Britain's largest wildlife crossing, designed to protect the Cotswolds' natural habitats and animal populations.
