Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Awarded $4.9 Million Grant to Enhance Safety at Railroad Crossings

This project will further enhance public safety

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA — The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization announced that the Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $4.9 million Rail Crossing Elimination Grant.

This grant will support the final design and construction of approximately 15 exit gates and two medians at seven highway-railroad grade crossings.

This important project will further enhance public safety and create “sealed” rail corridors, deterring vehicles from illegally maneuvering around gates.

The project will be a $6.1 million safety investment in Brevard County.

The local match will be provided by Brevard County, the City of Cocoa and the City of Melbourne, and the RCEP grant will cover 80 percent of the total project cost. Brightline Trains Florida, the SCTPO’s supporting partner, will lead the project’s design and construction.

“At the SCTPO, safety is our top priority as we plan for tomorrow’s transportation system. These proposed enhancements represent a significant step forward to ensure the safety of all road users, in alignment with Vision Zero goals to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on roadways,” said Georganna Gillette, Executive Director of SCTPO.

“Brightline appreciates local communities coming together and proposing projects to enhance safety along the rail corridor,” said Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline.

Goddard thanked the partners and the federal delegation for supporting this critical initiative and said safety starts with each of us. Brightline continues to implore the community to exercise safe actions around the railroad.

“As south and central Florida’s railway traffic grows through innovative projects like Brightline, it is crucial that we invest in improving the safety of railway crossings to reduce crashes and save lives,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos, Representative of the 8th District of Florida.

“I’m grateful for the work of the SCTPO and its partners for their work on this project, and I look forward to working to continue to improve railway crossing safety in Brevard County.”

Project Overview

The $6.1 million safety investment will be used to:

● Enhance seven highway-railroad grade crossings with approximately 15 exit gates and two medians.
● Reduce the loss of life, railway collisions, trespassing, and other safety-related violations.
● Reduce costly damage to public and private property due to road/rail crashes and reduce traffic backups and grade crossing closures       resulting from crashes.

Grade Crossing Enhancements:

These are the proposed enhancements for the seven grade crossings:

● Michigan Ave. in Cocoa – New Median + Exit Gate (SE)

● Dixon Blvd. in Cocoa – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

● West Highlands Dr. in Cocoa – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

● Masterson St. in Melbourne – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

● New Haven Ave. in Melbourne – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

● Line St. (W.H. Jackson St.) in Melbourne – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

● Holly St. in Micco – New Exit Gates (NW & SE)

Currently, each crossing features two quadrant gates on the approach lanes but lacks physical barriers on the exiting lanes. This allows vehicles to illegally navigate around the gates, posing significant safety risks. The proposed improvements will ensure physical barriers are in place.

“As we celebrate this grant and the infrastructure safety enhancements it will bring, we also want to underscore the importance of motorists abiding by the laws of the road. Never attempt to go around crossing arms,” added Gillette. “We urge all road users to stay vigilant and prioritize safety at rail crossings to prevent tragedies and save lives.”

For more information about the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program and the full list of project selections, CLICK HERE.

About the Space Coast TPO

The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) is a regional planning agency dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure and developing a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation system across the Space Coast region.

Through collaborative planning and community engagement, the SCTPO works to enhance mobility and quality of life for all residents.

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