As climate priorities shift and funding becomes more accessible, agencies are facing growing pressure to restore habitat connectivity. Turning a great idea into a viable crossing isn’t always straightforward. Timelines are tight, permitting is complex, and stakeholder expectations are high.
Successful wildlife crossings require thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and engineering that supports long-term ecological function. Every project is different, but many teams are encountering similar roadblocks.
What You Might Be Facing
Whether you’re navigating regulatory timelines, community expectations, or internal bandwidth issues, you’re not alone. These are just a few challenges we hear from partners and clients:
BKF turns complex environments into connected habitats.
Explore how our team has helped agencies transform ideas
into crossings that make a lasting impact.
State Route 17 (SR 17) is a critical link for regional wildlife and trail users. It's also a high-risk area for wildlife-vehicle collisions. Building on our previous efforts preparing a feasibility study for Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, BKF is now leading final design for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to deliver a dedicated wildlife undercrossing and trail overcrossing. These improvements will reconnect habitat, improve motorist safety, and link over 50 miles of regional trails.
BKF is partnering with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority to assess habitat connectivity along a 26-mile stretch of Interstate 5 (I-5) in Southern California. This project will identify priority locations and strategies for future wildlife crossings, with the goal of improving motorist safety, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, and restoring habitat connectivity across one of the state’s most significant wildlife corridors.
BKF IS SOLUTION DRIVEN.
Need grant funding?
Our team understands Wildlife Conservation Board, Caltrans, and other funding streams and can help make your application stronger.
Not sure where to start?
We can help scope feasibility studies, identify priority locations, and facilitate coordination across agencies.
Facing stakeholder pressure?
We bring proven, science-informed design strategies to the table that balance community, agency, and regulatory needs.
Have a project in mind?
We’re here to help you move from problem to path forward.
BKF shares insights on wildlife-focused design.
Jaggi Bhandal and Amir Abdollahi
recently presented at the Infrastructure Gone Wild event for the South Bay Engineer's Club.
Here are some key takeaways from their discussion:
Wildlife-vehicle collisions are costly and common. These crashes cause over $1 billion in damages annually, with California among the hardest hit.
Roads disrupt migration—and solutions must reconnect. Smart design helps restore critical habitat linkages and reduce wildlife deaths.
Smart planning clears the path forward.
The right approach helps agencies navigate environmental, funding, and design challenges with confidence.
Show your vision. Concept visuals help gain buy-in from communities, partners, and funders.
One size doesn’t fit all. Every site is different. BKF helps craft custom, buildable solutions backed by real-world experience.
Let’s collaborate to create safer, connected, and future-ready corridors for both people and wildlife.
Please reach out to Jaggi Bhandal or Amir Abdollahi
to see how BKF can support your next project.
Jaggi Bhandal
Regional Lead - Transportation / Principal
Amir Abdollahi
Project Manager - Transportation
BKF Engineers, 2100 Franklin St, 4C, Oakland, CA 94612, United States, 5108997300
