Virgin Trains USA Begins Construction of Controversial Orlando-South Florida Rail Line

On May 30, Virgin Trains USA announced that construction has officially begun on the controversial railroad between West Palm Beach and the Orlando International Airport. The five contractors for their Phase 2 expansion are Granite Construction Company, Hubbard Construction Company, HSR Contractors, The Middlesex Corporation, and Wharton-Smith Inc. Together, the group of contractors will develop 170 miles of a new rail line connecting Orlando to South Florida.  

Phase 2 construction consists of four zones. Zone One and Two work began on May 30, 2019, and encompasses the Virgin Trains Maintenance Facility and area surrounding the Orlando International Airport. Zones Three and Four construction is expected to begin imminently, and will involve the full scale construction of the new line. This includes the transportation of 2.35 million tons of granite and limestone, laying of nearly half a million ties, and placing of two million spikes and bolts. 

  • Zone One: Includes a one mile strip on 70 acres in the Orlando International Airport area and will be overseen by Hubbard Construction Company and Wharton-Smith Inc.
  • Zone Two: Includes a 3.5 mile section in the Orlando International Airport and will be overseen by the Middlesex Corporation.
  • Zone Three: Includes 35 miles of rail and will be overseen by Granite Construction Company.
  • Zone Four: Includes upgrades to 129 miles of previously existing track to allow for high-speed trains and will be overseen by HSR Constructors.

The beginning of construction comes after a long period of criticism from individuals who do not believe Virgin Trains USA is addressing public safety concerns, especially because of the numerous deaths that have occurred since it began Florida operations as Brightline in 2018. Some Floridians even banded together to form the Florida Alliance for Safe Trains, which heavily fought the construction of the Miami-Orlando rail line and launched their own safety campaign to oppose it.                                                    

As of now, service on the extension is anticipated to begin in 2022. Hopefully, Virgin Trains USA and its contractors prioritize public safety during the extensive construction process in the meantime.