America's Deadliest Roads Get an Elegant Fix
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A New Model for Infrastructure: Lessons from America’s Deadliest Roads
The story of P-22, a mountain lion who became an unlikely celebrity in Southern California in 2012, has been well-documented. However, less attention has been given to the impact his plight had on shaping the country’s approach to wildlife corridors and infrastructure planning.
For years, animal advocates and conservationists have warned about the devastating effects of highway construction on local ecosystems. The statistics are staggering: hundreds of human deaths, hundreds of millions of animal fatalities, and billions in damages caused by wildlife collisions each year. This crisis demands attention and action from policymakers and planners.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, set to open in December, is a major milestone in this effort. As the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world, it represents a new model for infrastructure development that prioritizes both human and animal needs.
This shift in thinking was not easy to achieve. Proponents had to overcome complex engineering challenges, funding models reliant on philanthropy, and rising construction costs. However, their perseverance has paid off, benefiting P-22 and countless other species that will use these crossings.
Wildlife corridors are no longer a novelty in the US. Since P-22’s time in the spotlight, over 1,000 new projects have emerged across the country. The $350 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has given this movement added momentum.
Recognizing wildlife corridors as a necessity rather than a luxury is crucial for future infrastructure planning. As Marcel Huijser, a research ecologist at the Western Transportation Institute, noted, “most other parts of the world have done a better job at taking social and ecological impacts into consideration from the earliest decision processes onwards.” In contrast, the US has historically lagged behind in incorporating ecological considerations into road planning.
The country’s highways are already proving to be three times more expensive to build and maintain per mile than elsewhere. However, there is hope on the horizon. As Huijser pointed out, “the norms, the values, [and] the culture” of the country are beginning to shift. Planners are starting to recognize that wildlife corridors are an essential component of responsible infrastructure development.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing serves as a testament to this new model and a reminder of the power of collaboration and perseverance in the face of adversity. As Beth Pratt, head of California’s National Wildlife Federation branch, said: “What’s more hopeful than rewilding one of the world’s busiest freeways?”
As we look ahead to a future where wildlife corridors are an integral part of our infrastructure landscape, it is essential to remember the humble beginnings of this movement – and the lonely mountain lion who sparked it all.
Reader Views
- PRPat R. · frugal living writer
While the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a significant step forward in prioritizing wildlife corridors, we can't overlook the elephant in the room: maintenance and upkeep. These crossings are only as effective as their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, heavy usage, and ongoing engineering needs. Without dedicated funding models that account for these expenses, the long-term viability of such projects remains uncertain, making it essential for policymakers to prioritize not just construction costs but also post-completion budgeting.
- SBSam B. · deal hunter
It's high time we rethink our infrastructure development priorities. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a step in the right direction, but I worry that these costly projects will become more about showcasing fancy engineering than addressing real-world problems. Can we really afford to throw $350 million at wildlife crossings when we still have crumbling roads and bridges? What's the ROI on saving P-22 versus fixing potholes? We need a more nuanced discussion about what this new model for infrastructure development truly means for taxpayers and commuters.
- TCThe Cart Desk · editorial
While it's laudable that wildlife corridors are gaining traction in infrastructure planning, let's not forget that these crossings are often bolted onto existing highway designs rather than being integral to them. A more holistic approach would involve reimagining the roads themselves, incorporating green infrastructure and reducing the need for high-speed travel altogether – a notion still met with resistance from transportation planners and politicians.