Construction begins on $12 million mountain lion crossing on Highway 17 in Santa Cruz Mountains
Unique project aims to reduce collisions between wildlife and motorists at dangerous roadway spot
A female mountain lion with cub is photographed from an automated trail camera on Oct. 31, 2018 on the east side of Laurel Curve at Highway 17. (Photo: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Pathways for Wildlife)
By PAUL ROGERS | progers@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: February 18, 2022 at 2:08 p.m. | UPDATED: February 18, 2022 at 4:23 p.m.
For years, a sweeping, treacherous curve on Highway 17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains has posed risks for motorists zooming between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz beaches.
But it’s been deadly for another group of travelers: Mountain lions, deer and other wildlife, which have been killed in surprisingly high numbers there while trying to cross the highway.
In a unique effort being watched by biologists around the state, crews on Wednesday began construction on a $12 million project to build an underpass for mountain lions and other wildlife under the four lanes of Highway 17 at Laurel Curve.
Ten years in the making, the project was made possible when the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County pieced together roughly 700 forested acres near the curve in multiple purchases. Funding came from private donations, Caltrans contributed $3 million, and $5 million came from county transportation funds.
More:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/18/construction-begins-on-12-million-mountain-lion-crossing-on-highway-17-in-santa-cruz-mountains/
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