As for Brightline, some of you called this. The construction looks to be finished by early 2023 as indicated in this article.
There was hope that construction would be wrapped up by the end of this year, but it is now set to be finished by early 2023.
www.wftv.com
This was Jr. High journalism at its best. I think technically
construction will end this year, but yes, I think most here believe in revenue service starting in 1Q 2023. Also, they say BL connects with
commuter service in Miami, but it's only the light rail system that's co-located. I consider commuter rail to be Tri Rail which I don't think will be using Miami Central for at least a couple years.
It is back to double track now south of Titusville, except for one short segment on a bridge in St. Lucie. (and a few segments yet to be completed) and it is generally 110mph (being certified progressively) between West Palm Beach and Cocoa with the exception of several PSRs at bridges and curves.
I don't think much of the new track is completed or open yet, but they're getting there!
If memory serves me correctly, there is a road tunnel for U.S. 1 and Las Olas close by. Of course, the tunnel is the most expensive option. The original bridge was double tracked at one point, so that would be the least expensive. A 3% to 4% grade even for Brightline is not ideal, I think. Thank you for bringing me up to date on this.
Even if you could get BL to accept a 3-4% grade, the freights still use the ROW, too.