Brightline Florida

As the first modern, privately-owned and operated intercity passenger rail line in the United States, Brightline Florida is a vital link between major south and central Florida communities and tourist destinations. Connecting Miami to Orlando, the 235-mile corridor introduces a new era of passenger rail service in the U.S., offering a convenient, efficient and sustainable transportation alternative between cities. 

Shaping Connectivity 

As program and construction manager, HNTB helped Brightline deliver the long-term goal of a fully connected higher-speed passenger rail service between Miami and Orlando. 

As engineer-of-record for Brightline Florida’s Phase 2 construction between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida, also known as the East-West Connector, HNTB provided 38 route miles of track design, roadway and maintenance of traffic design, 32 new bridges, grading, drainage, communications, signal layout and utility relocation.  

Additionally, HNTB partnered with Brightline to provide program management services and final design for a future 83-mile extension from Orlando International Airport to Tampa. 

Delivering Benefits 

The passenger rail system provides a wide range of impacts to communities and travelers in Florida, including: 

• Expanded mobility: Reduces congestion on Florida highways by providing a viable alternative for travel between major Florida cities 

• Improved air quality: Promotes cleaner air by minimizing car emissions and operating clean, biodiesel locomotives 

• Greater safety: Grade separates all modes of transportation 

• Sustainability: Preserves nearby wetlands and mitigates environmental impact in the event of storms or natural disasters 

• Economic growth: Contributes to the state’s economy through investment and job creation while encouraging transit-oriented development 

• Adaptable infrastructure: Accommodates today’s train speeds of 125 mph and speeds of up to 150 mph as technology advances 

Brightline Florida revolutionizes regional travel and serves as a model for expanding the U.S. rail market into higher-speed service.