Martin & St. Lucie Counties - Wednesday October 19, 2022: For the third time this week Brightline has delayed the start of testing its passenger trains in Martin and St. Lucie Counties at speeds up to 110 miles-per-hour.
The private rail carrier initially announced the start of testing would be Monday, October 17, but then postponed it until the next day, Tuesday. According to Katie Mitzner, Director of Brightline Public Affairs, training of crossing guards and implementation of other safety measures was still underway Monday.
However on Tuesday, Brightline announced another delay until Thursday of this week. "Our run through (Monday) went great," said Mitzner, "but it’s just a lot of coordination to get this underway."
But again on Wednesday Mitzner issued an email to the media saying the start of 110 mph runs will not begin until Friday. No explanation was provided.
The latest revised release states:
Brightline train testing at maximum speeds of 110 miles-per-hour will now begin Friday, October 21 and continue through the weekend in Martin and St. Lucie Counties.
Residents should be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings.
This first phase of testing will continue 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. Testing is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings. Stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates.
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.
