Tri-Rail embarks on a $327 million project - Florida's Tri-County Commuter Rail system - Brief Article

Railway Age, August, 2000

A full-funding agreement between the federal government and Florida's Tri-County Commuter Rail system was approved recently, enabling go-ahead of a $327 million capacity improvement project.

Once the project is finished in approximately five years, Tri-Rail will have the resources to meet two goals that so far have been Out of reach: consistent 20-minute headways and ontime performance exceeding 95%. The additional capacity will allow the 71-mile system to nearly double ridership. The line between Miami and West Palm Beach, Fla., can now only handle a limited schedule because it shares track with CSX Transportation and Amtrak.

The Federal Transit Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation will each provide $110.5 million, with the remainder coming from previously-budgeted state and federal sources. In addition to the last 44 miles of double track, the funding will pay for four-quadrant gates at 72 grade crossings, the upgrading of 10 stations, and the replacement of the Yamato Road station in Boca Raton, Fla., with a new facility at Congress Avenue.

Work is expected to begin later this year on building 11 miles of track at the south end of the corridor in Miami-Dade County, which will necessitate the elimination of some rush hour trains due to a 20-mph speed limit in construction zones. Weekend service may also be temporarily dropped to accelerate completion of the project.