Railroad & Bridge Construction Updates

Railroad & Bridge Construction & Train Testing

Railroad Construction

We’re on track to Orlando.

Our Orlando station is on track to open this fall! We are actively testing and qualifying our crews along the corridor between our stations in West Palm Beach and at Orlando International Airport.

Residents and travelers should always be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings. Click here to visit Brightline's safety website, check out our new PSA and take the virtual safety pledge today. Remember if you see tracks, think train!

Brightline train going across St. Lucie bridge

St. Lucie River Railroad Bridge

In May, we completed one of our final projects along our Orlando extension, the rehabilitation of the 100-year-old St. Lucie River railroad bridge in Stuart, FL. Brightline and contractor Scott Bridge Company Inc. crews worked 24/7 to complete the infrastructure work that includes the replacement of the mechanical, electrical and control components. Boaters will now see several benefits, including dependability of bridge openings and closings, which will reduce the risk of extended unplanned closures.

Brightline and the Florida East Coast Railway have launched the St. Lucie Bridge Schedule App and Website for mariners. The tech platforms communicate real-time schedule information providing the community with predictability and reliability of bridge openings. To download the bridge app, search for “Bridge Schedule” in the Apple and Android app stores, or visit http://www.bridgeschedule.com/. The app and website went live in coordination with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) temporary deviation on August 15.

In addition to the bridge app and website, Brightline installed variable message signs on each side of the bridge, which are interconnected to the railroad signal system. The signs display a countdown to each bridge closure and opening. Brightline also recently constructed a bridge monitor house, and a bridge monitor is located on site between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day. The bridge monitor is the main point of contact for daily waterway usage and can be reached via VHF Channel 9 or by phone at 772-403-1005.

The future replacement of the St. Lucie River railroad bridge remains a continued and important topic of discussion between Brightline, elected officials from Martin County and the City of Stuart, representatives from the marine industry, including the Marine Industries Association for the Treasure Coast, Florida Inland Navigation District, and the local business chambers.

St. Lucie River RR Bridge Rehab

Project Information

We are encouraging the public to download the bridge app, search for “Bridge Schedule” in the Apple and Android app stores, or visithttp://www.bridgeschedule.com/.

St. Lucie Bridge Closures
Press Release

Fact Sheet

Photos & Videos for Download
(courtesy The Roaming Railfan)