This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
2/15/2022
Brightline today announced the completion of its first major construction zone on the 170-mile passenger-rail extension between West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport (OIA) in Florida.
The second of four zones along the extension, the 3.5-mile section on the corridor leads to the airport and represents one of the most complex and challenging construction areas during the project, Brightline officials said in a press release.
Zone 2 is an engineered double track traveling under airport taxiways and over tug roads. The area also includes six bridges, two underpasses and other airport improvements, such as a new traffic interchange and a roundabout. The steel used in the extension is 100% recycled and American-made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, officials said. The company also made infrastructure improvements to accommodate future options, including embankment, bridge foundations and a shared underpass.
“Our construction through OIA presented one of the most complex construction efforts of this entire project and our successful completion is a testament to partnership, teamwork and out-of-the-box thinking,” said Michael Cegelis, Brightline executive vice president of development and construction.
Brightline's passenger trains will travel through the area at a top speed of 35 mph beginning in 2023. From there, the trains will head to Cocoa, Florida, where they could reach top speeds of 125 mph. They’ll also have access to the airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility as well as the Beachline Expressway.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority assisted with construction and Orlando-based Middlesex Corp. served as a general contractor.