Recent honors from AREMA and FIDIC highlight the impact of commuter rail expansion across the state
Lake Mary, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2025) – The Brightline Florida East-West Connector project continues to receive recognition from leading industry associations, underscoring its role in advancing passenger rail connectivity across Florida. The 38-mile corridor linking Cocoa to Orlando International Airport was recently honored with the William W. Hay Award for Excellence by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). The project also received Highly Commended Project of the Year award through the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Awards Program, highlighting its contribution to global infrastructure excellence.
HNTB partnered with Brightline Florida to deliver final design, program management and construction oversight for the East-West Connector, which completes the passenger rail link between Miami and Orlando. The project features 32 new bridges, advanced signal systems, and extensive utility upgrades, enabling sustainable, efficient travel across the state.
“Brightline’s East-West Connector is a testament to what can be achieved through strong collaboration and a clear vision,” said George Gilhooley, HNTB’s East Florida office leader. “This project reflects the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure that benefits communities and builds momentum for expanded passenger rail service in the region.”
“From early planning through execution, the East-West Connector has been shaped by a strong partnership and a clear vision for what higher speed rail can offer the region,” said John Hornbeck, project manager for HNTB. “It’s rewarding to see that effort acknowledged by the broader industry, and we’re pleased to have contributed to a project that’s helping redefine how people move across the state.”
Previously, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) named HNTB’s Brightline Florida East-West Connector a Grand Award honoree at the national Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner and Gala Award Program. In addition, the project was named a 2025 Grand Conceptor Award by ACEC Florida and the Best Airport/Transit Project of 2024 by Engineering News-Record Southeast.