Affects SunRail, Amtrak, CSX Freight and Other Smaller Railroads Until Further Notice
Orlando, Fla – All train activity on the Central Florida Rail Corridor (CFRC) is ceasing until further notice. The corridor closure affects SunRail, Amtrak, CSX freight as well as other, smaller railroads that utilize the corridor. The closure comes as the last freight train arrived in Taft this morning, prior to Hurricane Dorian impacting Central Florida.
Crews are now finishing preparations to the 61.5-mile corridor to render it safe prior to the impending storm. The work now is focusing on the area between Taft and Poinciana. Preparations to the northern end of the corridor are now complete. Hurricane Dorian preparations include:
- Securing 127 railroad crossings and railroad equipment throughout the entire corridor
- Removal of longer railroad gates
- Securing shorter gates on site
- Inspecting and storing the SunRail train fleet
After the storm, and when conditions stabilize, a complete inspection of the 61.5-mile corridor is necessary to assess the storm’s impact and to prepare the corridor to reinstate rail service for SunRail, as well as freight and Amtrak operations. Restoration of service includes reinstalling gates, safety inspections and removal of any obstructions on the railroad tracks.
Please remember that even though railroad crossings are taken out of service, drivers should still exercise caution. After the storm, and before gates are re-installed, there could be special vehicles and slow-moving trains on the rail.
Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.
SunRail customers; please visit www.sunrail.com for updates or text “SunRail” to 31996 to receive updates on your mobile device, or download the new SunRail app from the app store.