The fastest train in Florida is returning to Martin and St. Lucie counties next week.
Brightline is scheduled to resume its full-speed, 110-mph tests here Nov. 18-20, according to a news release from the railroad. Just like its first round of tests, the higher-speed train will go back and forth along an 11-mile rail corridor between Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie. Tests will be conducted 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To prevent pedestrians and drivers from passing around closed crossing gates, flaggers and law enforcement will be stationed at the five affected crossings, according to Brightline:
St. Lucie County
- Walton Road
- Riverview Drive
Martin County
- County Line Road
- Skyline Drive
- Pitchford Landing
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During Brightline’s October tests, the train worked up to 110 mph and would slow down and speed up again throughout the 11 miles to test its brakes. There were additional wait times at affected crossings — typically about 10-15 minutes.
When each test began, all the affected railroad crossings were closed at the same time and reopened individually as the train passed. There were between 10 and 16 tests runs a day.
The railroad is expected to conduct full-speed tests in Indian River County early 2023, Brightline spokesperson Katie Mitzner said.
Those tests will begin once the railroad finishes $31.6 million in railroad crossing improvements there, which it agreed to do as part of a lawsuit settlement with the county.
The full-speed tests are part of Brightline’s $2.7 billion extension of its service from West Palm Beach to Orlando, which is expected to be complete by next year.