Brightline has finished construction on extending its intercity passenger rail service to Orlando, Florida ahead of the route launching this summer.
Brightline’s Orlando expansion broke ground in June 2019, following the start of operations in South Florida between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach the previous year.
Additional stations have also since opened in downtown Boca Raton and Aventura in 2022 while construction to Orlando continued.
“Completing this project is the culmination of more than a decade of dedication, determination and hard work. Our team has shown its relentless ability to navigate and overcome challenges to bring us where we are today. We have built something remarkable, and I am excited to see millions of people ride brighter.”
Construction on the extension project saw Brightline’s teams work more than seven million hours across four zones.
In addition to the relevant track and signalling infrastructure, these four zones incorporated a vehicle maintenance facility, tenant buildout of the Orlando station at Orlando International Airport, 56 bridges, three underpasses and upgrades to 156 railroad crossings.
Following the completion of construction, Brightline will now continue high-speed train testing throughout the corridor prior to the start of passenger service later this summer.
“This is an incredible moment for our entire community. We have watched the construction progress, and looking forward to the day we would see trains pass us on the highway. That day has come, and we are now seeing firsthand the benefits that Brightline will bring to Central Florida. With jobs, partnerships, and significant economic impact, this is a historical time for us, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds with Brightline as part of our community.”
