The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) has reported a reduction in grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents along the Brightline Florida rail corridor following the implementation of federally funded safety improvements.
Incidents involving train-vehicle collisions and trespassing on the Brightline Florida network have reportedly fell by 30% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026. This announcement was made by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who linked the decline to the accelerated deployment of a 25 million USD federal investment aimed at improving rail safety infrastructure.
The funding has supported upgrades at 327 highway-rail grade crossings along the 195-mile Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway corridor between Miami and Cocoa. The programme includes the installation of 33 miles of fencing, rail dynamic envelopes, roadway markings, delineators, crisis support indicators and “Do Not Stop on Tracks” signs.
The measures are intended to reduce the risk of collisions and discourage trespassing along the route.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator David Fink said:Grade crossing collisions and pedestrian events are responsible for 96% of rail-related deaths in the U.S. We are confident that these investments will help prevent further needless deaths and injuries due to grade crossing collisions and trespassing.
The FRA has committed a total of 42 million USD towards rail safety projects along the Brightline corridor. As of 5 June 2026, 173 of the 327 targeted crossings had been upgraded, representing approximately 53% of the planned works. More than 116 crisis support signs had also been installed.
Brightline, which operates intercity passenger rail services across Florida, has faced scrutiny in recent years over safety incidents occurring at crossings and along its right-of-way. Local authorities, railway operators and federal agencies have subsequently introduced a range of mitigation measures, including infrastructure upgrades, public awareness campaigns and enhanced warning systems.
The Department of Transportation stated that work on the remaining crossings will continue in partnership with Brightline Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation and other stakeholders.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said:This administration is delivering real results for the American people at the Speed of Trump. While the last administration sat on these critical resources, we acted quickly to deliver them swiftly so that Floridian families could be safer. We’re going to continue to partner with Brightline Florida and FDOT to cut trespassing incidents with new crossing technology and safety enhancements and expand this success nationwide.
