The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a public-private partnership, is taking shape at Liberty Canyon and the 101 Freeway. Core partners include Caltrans, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Federation, among others.

This project aims to provide a safe passage for wildlife across the 101 Freeway near Agoura Hills, reducing wildlife deaths and allowing animals to move freely and exchange genetic material. Without this crossing, wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains faces severe movement restrictions.

• Construction Impact:

  • Start Date: April 15, 2024

  • Closure: All southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills from Liberty Canyon to Chesebro roads, nightly for five hours.

  • Detours: Available for drivers; northbound lanes remain open.

Construction began on Earth Day 2022 and is expected to complete by early 2026. Crews will install 100-foot-long concrete girders to support the crossing's structure over one of the nation’s busiest highways.

During Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the U.S., a statement expressed joint support from Japan and the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Texas Central high-speed rail project connecting Dallas and Houston.

• Project Details:

  • Length: 240 miles

  • Technology: Shinkansen

  • Partnership: Exploratory partnership with Amtrak

  • Federal Grant: Received in December 2023

However, Texas Central faces challenges, including over $600,000 in delinquent property taxes and a lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court over property acquisition practices.

Los Angeles has received a substantial federal funding boost to complete its infrastructure improvements in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to Transportation Today News.

• Total Funding: $900 million

  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and FY 2024 Transportation Law: $709.9 million

  • Federal Grants: $160 million

The funds will support key projects like the D Line (Purple) Subway Extension and the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit. Additionally, $139 million is allocated to improve transportation access during the games.

Selected as the host city for the 2028 Olympics in 2017, LA has faced concerns over funding gaps for its 28 major transit projects since 2020. However, progress is being made. Recently, tunnel mining for all three sections of the Metro Purple Line Extension was completed, and 5.6 miles of new bus priority lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard were opened, reports Liz Carey.