All Aboard Florida receives FRA OK for engineering plans

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved All Aboard Florida's (AAF) final engineering plans for its "Brightline" intercity passenger-rail service in Brevard and Indian River counties, the railroad announced yesterday.

Artist's rendering of the Brightline
All Aboard Florida

The FRA said the plans submitted by AAF comply with grade-crossing mitigation requirements. The news marks a "significant step" toward the $3 billion project, AAF officials said in a press release.

"Consistent with our initial commitment to the Treasure Coast, we provided final engineering plans that included safety improvements for FRA's review," they said. "The agency has now completed its review of our plans for Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard counties and affirmed that we are in full compliance with applicable requirements."

When completed, AAF's Brightline service will connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Service is slated to begin in 2017.