Brevard County - Thursday November 3, 2022: Brightline says it will be stepping up its speed testing in northern Brevard County through Saturday in preparation for extending its service through to Orlando next year.
In a news release Thursday the company said its trains will increase to speeds of 79 mph before ramping up to 110 mph by early 2023. The testing is taking place along a 13-mile section of track, spanning 18 railroad crossings from Sharpes through Cocoa and Rockledge.
Last month the private rail carrier started 110 MPH speed tests in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Those tests are ongoing and slated to last through November.
In northern Brevard County Brightline is in the process of integrating its new second railroad track into the existing corridor. The testing phase is known as 'signal and track cutover'.
Flaggers will be present at all crossings while the new rail signal system is commissioned.
This work is expected to bring additional wait times at ALL railroad crossings. 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 in either direction. Failure to follow the law could result in fines, points on your license or loss of life.
The testing will occur through the following crossings in Brevard County:
**Denotes crossings where trains will travel up to 79 mph:
Sharpes
Camp Rd.
Canaveral Groves Blvd.
City Point
Cross Rd.
Cocoa
Cidco Rd.
Beau Gest
Michigan Ave.
Dixon Blvd.**
West Highland**
Peachtree St.**
King St. – SR 520**
Rosa L. Jones Blvd. (Poinsett Dr.)**
Rockledge
Barton Blvd.**
Eyster Blvd.**
Rinker Way**
Gus Hipp Blvd.**
Barnes Blvd. (SR 502)**
Carver Rd.**
Ansin Rd.**
“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.”
About Brightline
The company currently operates between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in Florida and is scheduled to complete construction to the Orlando International Airport by the end of 2022. 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.