Martin & St. Lucie Counties - Monday October 17, 2022: Brightline begins 110 miles-per-hour testing of its passenger trains today in Martin and St. Lucie Counties.
The private rail carrier had previously announced the start of testing would be Monday, October 17, but they delayed it one day, according to Katie Mitzner, Director of Brightline Public Affairs. She said training of crossing guards and implementation of other safety measures took place yesterday.
Residents should be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings.
Testing is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings. Stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates.
This first phase of testing is expected to take place over a six-week period and along an 11-mile section of track, spanning railroad crossings in Martin and St. Lucie Counties, including:
Martin County
- County Line Rd.
- Skyline Dr. (CR 722)
- Pitchford Landing
- Jensen Beach Blvd. (SR 707A)
St. Lucie County:
- Midway Rd. (CR 712)
- Walton Rd.
- Riverview Dr.
During the testing period, flaggers and law enforcement will be present at all crossings listed above.
Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists should be aware that rail traffic will run on BOTH tracks in BOTH directions. Failure to follow the law could result in fines, points on your license or loss of life.
“If the crossing arms are down, don’t drive around,” said Joe Meade, director of safety at Brightline. “This testing serves as a critical reminder to the public to be safe around active railroad tracks and obey all traffic laws. Never stop on the tracks, don’t drive around crossing gates and only cross tracks at a designated railroad crossing.”
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.
CLICK HERE to VIEW a VIDEO of Brightline construction progress on YouTube posted by The Roaming Railfan.
Brightline has made crucial safety improvements at all 156 railroad crossings along the corridor. At the crossings in this testing area all safety improvements have been installed. Those improvements vary per crossing, but may include new crossing gates, signal systems, pedestrian gates, pavement markings and roadway profiles. Where trains will operate at 110 mph, all crossings have quad gates or medians to prevent motorists from driving around lowered crossing gates.
The public is encouraged to sign up for Brightline text alert updates for the latest information on high-speed testing schedules in their area: Text “RR110” to 888-384-0037.
Download these safety messages to share on your social media channels.
About Brightline
Brightline serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opening at the end of 2022 and its Orlando station beginning service in 2023. Brightline plans to bring its service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California.
For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com.