Jacobs has reached a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure with the successful delivery of California’s first wildlife overpass as part of the Clinton Keith Road Extension Project in Murrieta, Riverside County. The project, led from start to finish by Jacobs—including planning, design, environmental approvals and construction—sets a new standard for balancing urban development with ecological preservation.
A transformative highway project with a nature-positive vision
The three-mile, six-lane arterial extension was designed to accommodate growing traffic demands while prioritizing habitat connectivity and road safety. In addition to vehicle lanes, the corridor includes dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks, and most notably, an elevated wildlife crossing covered in natural vegetation to mirror the surrounding environment.
“This structure isn’t just a bridge—it’s a vital connection for the region’s wildlife,” says Shannon Crossen, Senior Transportation Ecologist at Jacobs. “By allowing animals to safely cross busy roads, we’re protecting native species and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.”
Comprehensive wildlife-friendly design
In support of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, Jacobs designed and implemented a suite of wildlife passage features, including:
- A three-span bridge over Warm Springs Creek
- A single-span bridge over French Valley Creek
- A double-arch culvert with a natural stream bottom
- Dry ledge culverts with skylights to improve safety and usability for animals
- Custom wildlife fencing to guide species and offer escape routes
Industry accolades and strong collaboration
The Clinton Keith project has earned top-tier recognition for innovation and sustainability, including:
- The American Public Works Association (APWA) Large Project of the Year, highlighting strong inter-agency and community collaboration
- A Caltrans Excellence in Transportation Award, affirming its role as a statewide model in infrastructure and environmental balance
“From concept to completion, our approach was rooted in cost-effective innovation that protects both people and the planet,” says Alicia Cannon, Project Manager at Jacobs. “This overpass is a symbol of what’s possible when infrastructure meets ecological intelligence.”
Impact beyond mobility: Enhancing lives and landscapes
The project is delivering real community benefits—reducing congestion, improving travel times, and increasing access to jobs and education, particularly for disadvantaged populations. But its legacy goes beyond transportation: it’s a blueprint for nature-positive infrastructure.
Jacobs is carrying this momentum forward nationwide. In 2024 alone, the firm:
- Supported grant submissions for the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
- Led wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation studies for Caltrans District 5
- Contributed to feasibility studies for future crossings in Montana, Colorado (I-25), and Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass East Project—one of the largest ecological connectivity efforts in the U.S.
A step toward the future
With the Clinton Keith Road Extension, Jacobs has not only built a critical transportation link but also demonstrated how infrastructure can coexist with, and even enhance, the natural world. The project stands as a landmark achievement and a powerful example of Jacobs’ commitment to building a safer, more sustainable future for all—humans and wildlife alike.
