“Our approach on SunRail was deeply rooted in collaboration,” said Steve Kramer, HNTB project manager. “We worked intentionally to ensure every stakeholder group felt seen, heard and valued — not just meeting expectations, but tailoring solutions that truly reflected each community’s unique priorities.”

That meant synchronizing train schedules with major employers, providing unique architectural station features, restoring a historic Amtrak station and enhancing landscaping and noise mitigation. In one city, the team widened a pedestrian tunnel under the railroad and prepared the infrastructure to accommodate plans for electric vehicle charging stations, a welcome center with restrooms, and a bicycle parking and repair area to serve its active cycling community. 

Equally important to meeting community needs was ensuring public safety. In addition to installing signal arms and exit gates, FDOT implemented a robust annual safety certification program for construction inspectors, workers and agency personnel to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

“From the very beginning, whenever a community raised a concern, we made it a priority to meet with them directly and establish open lines of communication,” Rodriguez said. “By actively listening and incorporating their feedback, we were able to make meaningful adjustments that led to successful outcomes. That spirit of collaboration continues today — we remain in close contact with our local partners to ensure SunRail services evolve in step with the community’s changing needs.”

Strong local engagement is especially important as FDOT prepares to transition SunRail operations to local governments in the coming years — laying the groundwork for a more community-driven and regionally responsive rail network.

“Every phase of SunRail built on the lessons of the last,” Kramer said. “We brought best practices, accelerated timelines when needed and adapted quickly to new partners and challenges.”

“FDOT is pleased with the on-time delivery of SunRail’s final phase,” Rodriguez said. “We set out to deliver the project in line with our goals — safely and within the timeframe needed — and we achieved it.”

Installed, tested and cleared for service

HNTB developed and oversaw 14 contracts, assisted with contractor selections, performed initial contract reviews and inspected the off-site fabrication of signal assemblies, steel and precast bridge segments. 

“We helped streamline installation by ensuring each piece of infrastructure was fabricated to meet rigorous Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration requirements and specifications before delivery,” Kramer said. 

In addition to standard inspection and testing services, HNTB supported each step of the safety certification process, and ensured any requests for proposals related to signals and communications included the required testing to expedite revenue service clearance. 

“Our CEI team wasn’t just there to inspect — we were there to help the contractor succeed and protect the client’s interests,” Kramer said. “We brought a collaborative mindset and the technical expertise to solve problems quickly and keep the project moving.”

Shaping the future of mobility

As transportation agencies strive to enhance urban mobility, SunRail serves as a compelling example of what is possible.

“We didn’t just build stations, we helped set the table for future development,” Kramer said. “The infrastructure we put in place is already attracting new housing, retail and trails.”

SunRail demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be transformed into modern assets that connect communities, lay the foundation for sustainable growth and redefine the role of transit in shaping connectivity.