![Yellow and white passenger train crosses street](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TRN_Brightline_crossing_Johnston.jpg)
MELBOURNE, Fla. — In another small step forward for Brightline’s planned expansion of service north to Orlando, one of the passenger operator’s trains reached a top speed of 79 mph Wednesday afternoon on an approximately 20-mile stretch of Florida East Coast Railway track between Melbourne and Rockledge, Fla.
Florida Today reports Brightline spokeswoman Katie Mitnzer said 79-mph testing will continue over the next few weeks. The next step, testing at 110 mph, is scheduled for this fall.
Testing this week will continue through 6 p.m. Friday, with flaggers stationed at six crossings along the test segment — four in Rockledge, one in Suntree, and one in Melbourne. The company is publicizing the testing to increase driver and pedestrian awareness of increased traffic, and faster moving trains, at grade crossings; its press briefing Wednesday also included Melbourne Police Cmdr. Mark Renkens, who warned motorists to be aware of the faster closing speeds with passenger trains and the possibility of trains approaching in each direction on the newly double-tracked route.
Brightline has said that approximately 80% of construction is complete between its current northern terminus, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. It projects service will begin in early 2023.
Unfortunately in late May, a truck pulled in front of a Brightline train and essentially wiped out the truck. There are several videos from Brightline and passengers who were on the train. Yet another person trying to beat the train from a one way parallel street on the right and turning left into the tracks where there is no gate down (its down on the right lane).
It’s very clear from the engine front camera that the driver was trying to beat the train through the crossing. The lights were flashing at the crossing, all the gates were down where installed.
Guess this mean that 2 main tracks are finished between the 2 cities. Testing probably is to verify that all signal systems are properly operating. The 2 trains meeting are also important for both aero aerodynamics and any unforseen signal problems.
As a Central Fl resident, can’t wait to be on the first train out of OIA (MCO),
Building a railway line in 1:1 scale is more complex than laying tracks around a Christmas tree 🎄.
What about thru Florida swamps?
The first test train into Orlando Airport station ran 4 weeks ago.
https://youtu.be/uKBP1GgXtCA