Privately funded high speed rail project nears finish

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.

Orlando

On October 11th, Brightline applied for a permit to begin construction on the Phase 2 extension to Orlando. This $2 billion project includes the construction of new railroad tracks and installation of fiber optic cable paralleling the Beachline Expressway (SR 528). Work is expected to commence in 2018 and be completed as early as 2020. Phase 2’s $211 million Orlando station will be located at Orlando International Airport’s future South Intermodal Center (ITC). Here, passengers will have direct access to rental cars, ground transportation, the airport’s Automated People Mover and future connections to Central Florida’s commuter rail system SunRail. Construction on the South Terminal is currently underway.

Orlando International Airport Station renderings

Orlando International Airport Station October 2017 Construction Images

Construction images courtesy of Orlando International Airport