A 26-mile stretch of the I-5 has contributed to the environmental threat towards populations of mountain lions and 34 other species whose habitats have been hemmed in by the highways that crisscross Los Angeles County. The I-5 Wildlife Crossing will restore functional connectivity (e.g., wildlife movement and gene flow) across I-5, which has been shown to be an almost impenetrable barrier to wildlife movement due to the lack of wildlife crossing infrastructure. The project will encourage and enhance protected wildlife movement in the Sierra Madre-Castaic Linkage of Los Angeles County. Ultimately, the result will yield 240,000 acres of land to the east and west of the I-5 being conserved through this linkage.
Working with Rock Design, BKF will prepare an implementation plan to improve habitat connectivity for protected lands across I-5 to maintain viable wildlife populations, reduce dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions, allow species to shift their ranges in response to climate change, and ensure the ecological integrity of California’s existing conservation investments. BKF will conduct feasibility and constraints analyses for at least 4 priority wildlife crossing locations identified and determine up to 2 locations to advance to the Caltrans 35% and 65% design phase. Depending on the location of the selected priority wildlife crossing identified for advancement, BKF will work with the appropriate Caltrans District 6 and/or 7 to conduct necessary project planning to deliver 35% and 65% design plans/specifications and cost estimates including a Project Initiation Document (PID), Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA/ED), Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E).
