Treasure Coast - Thursday November 17, 2022: – Brightline’s test train will be travelling through the Treasure Coast again on Friday, November 18, to continue testing at maximum speeds of 110 mph.
The testing will take place along an 11-mile section of track in Martin and St. Lucie Counties, with flaggers and law enforcement present at five of the railroad crossings where trains will operate at high speeds.
Brightline began high speed testing in the Treasure Coast in October, reaching top speeds of 110 mph, marking the fastest a train has traveled in the state of Florida.
Brightline has released a new video featuring the 110-mph testing and highlighting the safety improvements at crossings throughout the testing corridor. Brightline has also completed 79 mph testing through Melbourne, Cocoa and Rockledge in Brevard County. High-speed testing, in preparation for opening to Orlando in 2023, is occurring in phases along the 129-mile rail corridor between West Palm Beach and Cocoa.
During the testing period, flaggers and law enforcement will be present at the following crossings and testing is expected to bring additional wait times. Residents should be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings.
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.
Stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates.
High Speed Testing up to speeds of 110 mph
7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, November 18 (backup day Saturday, November 19)
Flaggers and law enforcement will be present at all five of the railroad crossings where trains will operate at high speeds.
Testing up to speeds of 79 mph
7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20
Flaggers and law enforcement will be present at all five of the railroad crossings where trains will operate at high speeds.
St. Lucie County
- Walton Rd.
- Riverview Dr.
Martin County
- County Line Rd.
- Skyline Dr. (CR 722)
- Pitchford Landing
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.
Brightline has launched a new safety website, which includes updated safety content, PSA’s and a virtual pledge. Check it out here and take the safety pledge today.
Brightline is working closely with community partners, government agencies and news media to highlight rail safety via multiple channels including on social media and with public service announcements.