California's massive wildlife bridge, the largest of its kind in the world, is nearing completion despite a barrage of criticism from conservative commentators and a budget overrun. The $114m crossing, which spans a 10-lane freeway in northern Los Angeles county, is set to open for animal use on 2 December, according to Beth Pratt of the National Wildlife Federation.
The project broke ground in 2022 with an initial completion date of 2025, but record rains and flooding caused a delay, pushing the finish line to 2026. Pratt noted that no major delays have occurred since the schedule was revised. The budget also increased by 23% from $93m to $114m, which Pratt attributes to inflation, pointing out that the National Highway Construction Cost Index has risen 67% since 2021.
In March, the California Post published an op-ed by two writers from the conservative Manhattan Institute, calling the project a 'jobs program for environmentalists' and a 'multimillion-dollar bridge to nowhere'. Other right-wing figures, including Fox News and former transportation secretary Sean Duffy, joined the criticism. Pratt received hate messages and threats, prompting the National Wildlife Federation to hire security and change protocols.
Pratt defended the project, stating that the bridge does connect the Santa Monica mountains and that the op-ed ignored facts and printed misinformation. She also noted that the cost increase is less than the average rise in highway construction during the same period. Christopher Rufo, one of the op-ed's authors, told the Guardian that Pratt 'has no business running a major infrastructure project' and reiterated concerns about delays and costs.
Despite the controversy, the bridge is now covered with 6,000 native plants, and butterflies and caterpillars have already been spotted. The structure blends into the hillsides, providing a peaceful crossing for mountain lions, bobcats, lizards, and other wildlife. 'But if bullies think they're going to stop the work, they don't know me. I'm from Boston,' Pratt said.
