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4/17/2023
Private intercity passenger-rail provider Brightline is rehabilitating the St. Lucie River railroad bridge in Stuart, Florida, as part of its Orlando expansion project.
The work began yesterday with nighttime bridge closures. On May 1, crews will close the bridge for 21 days to complete work around the clock, Brightline officials said in a press release.
The rehab project includes replacement of the bridge's mechanical, electrical and control components, and machining of the four trunnions (or the axles on which the drawbridge rotates).
Brightline is also implementing several mitigation measures prior to beginning its passenger service to Orlando, including a real-time bridge opening and closure app, a countdown clock at the bridge and a bridge monitor house, which is currently under construction.
Due to the type of construction being completed, the rehab project requires the drawbridge to be rendered inoperable and remain in the down position, impacting drawbridge operations, Brightline officials said.
The bridge work is being coordinated with the Florida East Coast Railway, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and government agencies at the federal, state and local level.
Meanwhile, Brightline announced plans to implement S3 Passenger, a new inventory, ticketing and reservation system built by Siemens Mobility subsidiary Sqills, as soon as Orlando service begins later this year.
S3 Passenger will allow Brightline to optimally manage and maximize seat utilization for higher capacity, Sqills officials said in a press release.