.S. Department of Transportation issued a Record of Decision Brightline intercity passenger rail project between Miami and Orlando. The Record of Decision represents the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and is the last federal environmental approval needed to construct the phase 2, between West Palm Beach and Orlando. This decision marks the achievement of another significant milestones for the company as it gears up to launch phase 1 of its service and start construction north of West Palm Beach.
“This is the most critical and final step in the extension of Brightline’s service to Orlando, and we are excited to move forward with Phase 2. This was a great year for us as we completed construction on two of our major stations and rail infrastructure, successfully presold tickets and corporate packages to individuals and businesses throughout the region and priced USD 600 million in Private Activity Bonds to fund Phase 1. We look forward to launching service to Miami and starting construction north to Orlando in the first quarter of 2018,” said Dave Howard, Brightline’s CEO.
Over the next few months, Brightline will finalize the design for the rail infrastructure and the 70-acre vehicle maintenance facility that will be located on Orlando International Airport property.
Brightline’s station in Orlando will be located at the Orlando International Airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility (ITF) that will be the hub of the future South Terminal complex. The ITF is connected to the North Terminal by a recently completed Automated People Mover and includes a 5,000-space parking garage. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system, has a planned connection to the ITF. The completion of the South Terminal will add 16 new gates for international and domestic flights.
Brightline will launch transport service to Miami and start construction on Phase 2 expansion to Orlando in early 2018.
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