The concrete and wildflower tribute to Mountain Lion P-22 has finally found vocal critics even as the long-awaited project nears completion.
Officially it is the Wallis P. Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. It was named after Annenberg who is one of the biggest private donors. Annenberg, who died in 2025, gave $25 million yo the project. A sum that generated much private donation. The Liberty Canyon project has become one of the most ambitious and closely watched conservation projects in the United States. Spanning the U.S. 101 freeway in Agoura Hills, the crossing is designed to reconnect wildlife habitats that have been divided for decades, particularly between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills.
As of 2026, the project is in its final stages and is on track for completion in fall 2026. Originally expected to open earlier, construction was delayed primarily by severe weather, including heavy rains and flooding in 2022 and 2023. Despite those setbacks, recent updates indicate steady progress with no major new delays.
Significant milestones have already been achieved. The main bridge structure—built with millions of pounds of concrete—has been completed, along with sound walls, soil layers, and habitat features designed to mimic the surrounding natural environment. Crews are now focused on the final phases, including connecting the bridge to the landscape on both sides and planting thousands of native plants grown from locally sourced seeds.
The crossing is expected to play a critical role in protecting wildlife, especially mountain lions, which have faced genetic isolation due to the freeway barrier. National Park Service biologists have been tracking cougars in the region. Some have kinked tails. That can be a sign of inbreeding, By allowing animals to safely cross the highway, the bridge aims to reduce deadly vehicle collisions and improve long-term biodiversity in the region.
However, the project has not been without controversy. Costs have risen from initial estimates of around $90 million to roughly $114 million, due to inflation, weather delays, and construction challenges. Critics have pointed to the overruns, while supporters emphasize the project’s ecological importance and its largely public-private funding model. Critics also note that similar overcrossings in other states and countries have come in on time and sometimes for far less.
Despite the debate, the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing remains a groundbreaking effort—both literally and figuratively. When completed, it will be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world, symbolizing a growing movement to balance infrastructure with environmental preservation.
California’s transit agency, Caltrans, has committed to mitigating hazards to wildlife in all of its projects.