US 101/Monterey Road Wildlife Crossings Project

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in cooperation with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the City of San Jose, proposes to construct and retrofit wildlife crossing structures and associated improvements in Coyote Valley in Santa Clara County at US 101 and Monterey Road.

Objectives

Coyote Valley is a critical 7,400-acre area for wildlife occupancy and connectivity, linking the Diablo Range and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The purpose of this project is to:

• Link these habitats and protected public lands on both sides of US 101 and Monterey Road.
• Allow wildlife to access the needed resources that support healthy populations, such as food, shelter, and mates, and move in response to a changing climate.
• Enhance safety with motorists and wildlife by reducing the potential for collisions.

Project Features

Proposed improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A new wildlife undercrossing structure with associated light and noise barriers at Fisher Creek.
• Subsequent phases for a new wildlife crossing structure at Tulare Swale and Tulare Meadows.
• A new or retrofitted wildlife undercrossing at US 101.
• Wildlife exclusionary fencing, wildlife escape routes, access gates, treatment of intersecting roads, and wildlife-friendly median barriers along US 101 and Monterey Road.

Capital Cost/Project Funding

The project costs are estimated to be between $80 and $90 million, contingent on the final determination of improvements. The project is proposed to be funded by a combination of funding sources, including POST, the City of San Jose, Caltrans, federal and state grants, private donors, and other funds to be determined.