Construction works continue on Virgin Trains high-speed rail service across the state of Florida.
Formally known as Brightline, the train will connect Orlando to West Palm Beach, down to Miami, with speeds up to 125 mph.
Florida’s new high-speed rail system is part of a goal to get 3 million cars off the road. The rail is expected to cost $2.5 billion, including a $70 million maintenance facility south of the Orlando International Airport.
The president and CEO of Virgin Trains USA Patrick Goddard that with 1,000 people moving into the state daily and 126 million visitors,” we need alternative mobility solutions and this is a phenomenal option .”
Brightline is part of the 170 miles of track, with 55 bridges to be built in order to connect the train service from Orlando to West Palm Beach. In addition, the project will require adjustments to major roads including the State Road 528, known as the Beachline Expressway.
Right now, the station at Orlando International Airport is the only one planned in Central Florida, but that will definitely change. The stations are planned to be built every 50 or 60 miles.
Virgin Trains is currently building a station at PortMiami, giving theme park fans the opportunity for a car-free vacation by connecting them to the cruise capital of the world. The station at PortMiami will open by 2020.
In the end, the rail will connect a crucial 170-mile stretch from West Palm Beach to Orlando theme parks. The extension is set to open in 2022. From Orlando, the company hopes to eventually expand to Tampa and Jacksonville.
Virgin Train is also looking at additional stations in Boca Raton and Aventura.
According to Click Orlando.