Florida Construction News staff writer
A proposed commuter rail extension connecting Miami-Dade County and Fort Lauderdale has advanced to the engineering phase of the U.S. Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants program, moving the project closer to construction.
The FTA announced an anticipated federal funding commitment of approximately $164 million for Broward County Commuter Rail South, which would extend commuter rail service from Aventura in Miami-Dade County to Fort Lauderdale.
The engineering designation allows Broward County Transit to begin eligible project activities, including engineering work, demolition, utility relocation, property acquisition and procurement of specialized equipment and materials. Construction activities are not included at this stage.
The proposed 10.5-mile extension would use existing Florida East Coast Railway tracks to connect northeast Miami-Dade County with Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, the Dania Beach and airport district, and neighbourhoods south of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Plans include three new stations and rail vehicles to operate the service.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the advancement brings the project closer to providing another commuter transportation option for South Florida residents.
FTA Acting Deputy Administrator Matthew Cahill said the service would improve connections to employment centres, healthcare and educational facilities.
The Capital Investment Grants program provides federal funding for major transit infrastructure projects through a multi-stage process that can take several years.
The anticipated $164-million federal contribution remains subject to completion of financial, technical and legal requirements, as well as annual congressional appropriations.
Once completed, the extension will provide a north-south commuter rail connection between southeastern Broward County and Miami-Dade County.
