Brightline began testing at 110 mph on Oct. 21 as the railroad continues its work associated with its extension to Orlando, Fla. Train testing in northern Brevard County that will see trains travel at 79 mph in October and increase to 110 mph in early 2023.
The work, known as a signal and track cutover, will integrate a new second railroad track into the existing corridor and will take place along a 13-mile section of track, spanning 18 railroad crossings from Sharpes through City Point, Cocoa and Rockledge. Flaggers will be present at the crossings continuously from 6 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 through 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 while the new rail signal system is commissioned. Testing is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings.
Brightline reminds those who may be in the vicinity of testing to stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates.
Residents should be alert, follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings and be aware that once the second track is commissioned, rail traffic could run on both tracks. Failure to follow the law could result in fines, points on your license or loss of life.
“Safety around railroad tracks starts with the way in which people interact with the railroad” said Katie Mitzner, director of public affairs, Brightline. “We are reminding the public – pedestrians, motorists and cyclists - to be vigilant about rail safety. Never drive around crossing gates, don’t try to beat a train, always stay off the tracks and only cross at a designated crossing. The safety message is simple: look, listen, live.”
The 110-mph testing, in preparation for opening to Orlando in 2023, will occur in phases along the 129-mile rail corridor between West Palm Beach and Cocoa, through Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Brevard Counties.
