Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Wildlife Project Completion
On Wednesday, April 19, Oro Valley is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the State Route 77 (Oracle Road) Wildlife Gate and Fence project. This event marks the end of a collaborative effort between the Town, local neighbors, and regional partners to protect both the scenic beauty and wildlife along SR 77, north of Tangerine Road.
The ceremony kicks off at 9 a.m. at 2746 E. Scenic Overlook Place. You can find parking in the neighborhood on nearby streets. Look for A-frame signs to guide you to the parking and the ceremony area.
About the Project
This initiative was funded by the Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority (PAG/RTA), with the Town of Oro Valley overseeing the project. The work was carried out by AECOM, Sellers & Sons, Inc., Ninyo & Moore, and Tucson Electric Power.
As part of the road widening improvements along SR 77, game fences were installed on either side from Tangerine Road to the Pinal County line. Originally, a 10-foot-high fence was planned behind homes along Big Wash to route wildlife to the SR 77 Wildlife Bridge crossings. However, local residents preferred to keep their views open and see wildlife from their homes. The Town, along with PAG/RTA, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, worked together to adjust the fence and add gates to safely direct wildlife away from crossing SR 77, maintaining the Big Wash wildlife corridor.
“Oro Valley takes great pride in our natural open spaces and wildlife,” said Mayor Joe Winfield. “This project is a collective effort to safeguard wildlife without disrupting our scenic views. We are grateful to everyone involved for their cooperation and support.”
Built in 2016, the SR 77 Wildlife Bridge was a pioneering effort in Southern Arizona, providing safe passage for animals like bobcats, desert tortoises, and mule deer. Conservation groups continue to monitor the bridge using cameras.
Carolyn Campbell, Executive Director of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, highlighted the project’s collaborative nature, saying, “Initially, conservation groups and residents had differing views, but through teamwork, we found a solution benefiting both wildlife and the community. Today, we celebrate that success.”
Oro Valley holds dear its commitment to preserving scenic views, open spaces, and wildlife. The project would not have been possible without the input and support of local residents.
Pat Miller, a resident involved in the project, stated, “The wildlife fencing project has been a joint effort since 2016, involving homeowners, the Town of Oro Valley, the RTA, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The new gates and fencing are a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
The Town of Oro Valley extends its gratitude to all project partners.