As trains tear from L.A. to Vegas at 180 mph, bighorn sheep will have safe passage

A set of three wildlife crossings — meant to provide safe passage for bighorn sheep and other animals — has been added to the plans for a high-speed rail line project between Las Vegas and Southern California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state Department of Transportation and rail builder Brightline West announced on Wednesday their agreement to design and build the crossings over the planned 218-mile rail line, slated to occupy the center divider of the heavily trafficked 15 Freeway. Construction of the rail line is slated to begin in the second half of 2023 with completion expected in as many as four years, Brightline said.