Brightline Reveals More Details On High Speed Rail To Disney World
Brightline seems to be speeding along with recent plans for a rail expansion to Walt Disney World. The route will cost an estimated $1.03.billion – $2.1 billion depending on the finalized route. During a recent meeting, Brightline, an intercity rail company out of Miami provided further details on plans.
The meeting with the Central Florida Expressway comes despite our recent reports this week that Brightline is being sued by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Rail despite for breach of contract after Brightline dropped Virgin’s name an branding from the project.
Photo Credit: https://www.local10.com
As we previously reported here at MickeyBlog, Brightline has a deadline of July 31st to complete negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the Orlando Utilities Commission if plans for the project are to go ahead. This is in addition to agreements with private landowners.
According to a recent piece in the Orlando Business Journal, the company is considering two separate alignments, each spanning 17 miles that includes a proposed Disney station at the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment district. The piece indicates that the routes in question include one that runs parallel to State Road 417 which would cost a potential $1.03 billion and a second tat would run along Taft Vineland Road and State Road 528 to the tune of $2.1 billion.
Photo: janshroder.com
“The costs include all costs but financial. So land, engineering, project management, expansion of the stations and vehicle maintenance facility along with rail infrastructure,” Cegelis said.
Brightline hopes to break ground on the construction in the 2nd quarter of 2023 and would complete the first segment which would include Disney and SunRail route to Orlando International Airport in 2026.
Image Credit: Orlando International Airport
Furthermore, plans are to extend the line with an additional connection to Tampa which would run alongside Interstate 4.
During the meeting Central Florida Expressway Authority Board Member Jay Madara said that his preference was to go the Taft Vineland Road/State Road 528 route despite costs. The reason being is that the could mean potential connections in the future to International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center.
Brightline hopes to complete the entire route by 2028-2029. The company is currently working on its Orlando International Airport extension which is, as of going to print 49% complete.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with us for further news and updates!
Get a Jumpstart On Your Travel Plans And Get A FREE Disney Gift Card!
Have you heard the news!? Walt Disney World vacation packages are currently available through June 2022! Book your 2022 stay with ME through May of 2021 and I’ll throw in a Disney Gift Card!* Plus 1 lucky family will be picked each month to receive a special in-room delivery from Disney Floral & Gifts! Simply fill out my form below to get your FREE, no obligation quote!
With new policies and procedures in place for next year, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney World’s new way of doing things! Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook
Source: Orlando Business Journal
