If you’re a Las Vegas local tired of driving to California, or vice versa, you’re in luck. Plans are in motion to build a high speed railway that will connect the two locations. Details about the project emerged with a joint announcement made last week by a passenger rail company and two California state departments.
Brightline West has started construction on a route 218 miles long through the Mojave Desert, in the median of the current I-15 freeway. The tracks will be between the northbound and southbound lanes of the I-15. They will run a high speed railway between California and Nevada.
In addition to the railway for humans, there will be considerations for animals as well. Abc7.com reported that Brightline West is collaborating with California’s Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife. The three organizations have agreed to build three “wildlife overcrossings” for the project. They will be along the route of the planned high-speed rail line.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was quoted in a recent statement regarding the project. He said “roadways and rail lines must be designed to connect, not divide” (abc7.com). The three planned wildlife crossings would serve to protect the desert’s wildlife. And would allow animals like bighorn sheep to safely cross over the highway and railway.
In addition to protecting the wildlife, the $10Billion project will give locals of both Southern California and Las Vegas a safe and efficient means of transportation. Currently that stretch of the I-15 is a major source of traffic stress. Especially during peak holidays or other traveling seasons.
The railway will not take Las Vegas locals all the way to Los Angeles. The plans call for only three stations in Southern California. Apple Valley and Hesperia, both near Victorville. As well as Rancho Cucamonga, which is near San Bernardino and Riverside. However, there is a Metrolink station at that one, so getting to Los Angeles without a car is still very feasible.
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