STUART, Fla. — Brightline high speed testing in Florida’s Martin County, which had been scheduled for later this week, has been postponed, the passenger operator said today (Tuesday, June 20).
Testing had been scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, through Friday, June 23, at speeds up to 110 mph through a series of grade crossings, as well as at the St. Lucie River drawbridge. Wednesday, the first day that had been planned for that testing, is also scheduled to be the first day of a new drawbridge schedule that calls for the bridge to be opened twice an hour for up to 15 minutes on each opening [see “Coast Guard to impose twice-hourly bridge openings …,” Trains News Wire, June 9, 2023].
Brightline now says the testing will take place later this month and that it will share further details as they become available.
The ongoing testing of signal and train control systems is in advance of the start of Miami-Orlando service, planned for a yet-to-be-announced date later this summer.
This delay is going to delay Brightline starting. As understood.
This is last segment to be testes. Once this testing complete and approved by FRA then getting crews qualified. FRA can then allow revenue service. Makes September less likely for start..
“… the last segment to be testes …”. Well, nuts! I guess that means it’s all balled up. But I’m a crotch-ety old man and I’m not groin to sit idly by and let that typo go unpunished. You’re left holding the sac on this one, Mr. Jones.
Me thinks behind the scenes the Mexican government is asking for the USA for a more balanced approach to this matter. Or Else!
Off-topic, but am I the only one who thinks this paint scheme looks like the locomotive ate a huge bowl of banana pudding and then threw up while running into the wind?
Your personal Rorschach test.
Rice:1
Kreplach: 0
Brightline only goes legal when all options are exhausted. My guess is they are working behind the scenes to see what can be agreed to. (again)
Silence so far on the legal front. Wonder what the plan is?