The ambitious California project to build a wildlife bridge over 10 lanes of freeway in Los Angeles County reached a major construction milestone last week. Workers started to lay down 6,000 cubic yards of soil on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing last Monday, an important milestone toward what will eventually provide a natural connection point between two landscapes that have long been separated by one of the country’s busiest highways.

The bridge, which is being hailed as the world’s largest wildlife crossing, stretches over 200 feet long, and spans 165 feet wide. It is hoped that mountain lions will use it instead of attempting to make the perilous crossing through 10 lanes of traffic below.

Construction on the bridge started in 2022. While it was originally planned to be completed in 2025, delays due to weather have pushed the project’s completion date to 2026.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.