Privately funded high speed rail project nears finish

Oct 25, 2017 • Ennis Davis

What seemed to be a dream that many believed would eventually fade away is well on its way to becoming a reality. In 2011, Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) announced plans for a privately funded passenger rail system envisioned to transform the way people travel throughout Florida. Despite years of anti-rail opposition, operations are expected to start before the end of the year on ambitious project that combines rail transit with transit oriented development. Here is a brief overview of where the $3 billion privately funded passenger rail project currently stands.

MiamiCentral Station

Construction continues on MiamiCentral, Brightline’s crown jewel. When complete, it will serve as a terminal to Brightline’s 32 daily trains, Tri-Rail (commuter rail), Metrorail (heavy rail) and Metromover (downtown people mover) systems. In addition, Brightline’s trains will rise fifty feet above downtown’s streets to avoid blocking traffic.

According to recent press release, MiamiCentral will be an 11-acre, transit-oriented mixed-use development spanning over six city blocks in the heart of downtown Miami from Florida East Coast Industries, one of the oldest leading real estate and infrastructure developers in Florida. The project’s initial phase features 300,000+ square feet of Class A office space; 180,000+ square feet of innovative retail and dining experiences including Central Fare, Miami’s first true food hall experience; 800 smartly designed residential rental units; and the home of Brightline, redefining train travel in the United States.

Miami Central Station exterior renderings