Drainage Culverts Retrofitted Into Wildlife Crossings In Ventura

SIMI VALLEY, CA — Caltrans and the National Park Service have teamed up to help wildlife cross many different sections of a two-lane stretch of State Route 118 in Ventura County. Biologists have retrofitted five drainage culverts to help animals cross a 12-mile stretch of the highway.

While two-lane highways like 118 may appear easier for wildlife to cross than the 118, biologists say looks are deceiving.

“Most animals won’t even try to cross the 101,” Caltrans senior biologist Paul Caron said in a statement. “All of the roads - the 125, 118, and others are all interconnected. What good is it if we just focus on the 101, when they all get killed on or are not willing to cross the 118?”

The two agencies have retrofitted five drainage culverts and added fences to help wildlife cross more safely. After studying animal crossings, the National Park Service said that wildlife usually cross roadways that intersect with areas near rivers. At Long Canyon Underpass, a long concrete ramp was built to allow animals to walk into the culvert to help them get around the 10-foot cement wall blocking them on the north end. Fencing was installed on the north side of the road to get animals onto the ramp.

At another culvert, Caltrans workers filled a 6-foot drop with a pool of water at the bottom filled with different-sized boulders, creating a natural looking-ramp into the culvert surrounded by soil and plants.

Workers have installed cameras at the crossings, according to the National Park Service, which show daily use of the culverts. One of the culverts that passes through citrus and avocado orchards in Somis has even attracted a black bear, who traveled through the culvert into the Santa Susana Mountains. Cameras have also caught mountain lions and coyotes traveling through the culverts.

Since the retrofitting, Caltrans maintenance crews have reported picking up less roadkill along the highway’s 12-mile stretch, according to a CBS report.

Related coverage:

Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing Raises $18 Million | Agoura Hills, CA Patch

Plans Released For Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing | Agoura Hills, CA Patch