VTA launches Coyote Valley wildlife crossing project

A multi-year project for creating wildlife crossing structures across U.S. Highway 101, Monterey Road and rail lines in South Santa Clara County is moving forward. 

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) board approved a contract at its board meeting this month, for HDR Engineering to begin initial stages of design and planning for the U.S. 101/Monterey Road Wildlife Crossings Project.

“As Santa Clara County’s congestion management agency, VTA works to keep our transportation network safe and efficient,” said Carolyn Gonot, VTA’s general manager and CEO. “Investing in wildlife crossings helps reduce collisions and ensures our roadways better coexist with the region’s natural habitats for the long-term health and safety of all.”

Escalating traffic and wildlife-vehicle collisions have created safety hazards along both Monterey Road and U.S. Highway 101 between San José and Gilroy. According to a 2021 UC Davis Road Ecology Center study, the one-mile stretch of U.S. 101 that crosses Coyote Creek is in the top 5% of annual wildlife-vehicle collision costs per mile in California. Providing wildlife crossing options that keep the animals away from vehicular traffic can reduce the risks to both wildlife and humans significantly.

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), which is driving the strategy and funding for the project, identified the Fisher Creek and Monterey Road intersection as the first location to create a wildlife crossing and related fencing. HDR Engineering will initiate design and planning work, with construction to begin as early as 2028, pending funding.

Over the past decade, POST, the City of San José and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority have worked to purchase and protect open space in Coyote Valley for many environmental, social and economic benefits, including its role as a vital regional wildlife linkage.