Virgin Trains USA Starts Rail Project Between Orlando and South Florida

Officials from Virgin Trains USA announced it has developed a team of builders to design and build new tracks between West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the privately-owned passenger-rail company revealed the first phase of construction would include three miles of track and related infrastructure from the Florida airport.

In addition, Virgin Trains USA will also develop 70 acres of property for a maintenance shop.

“This monumental infrastructure project will include the laying of 490,000 ties and transporting 2.35 million tons of granite and limestone by 20,000 railcars,” a Virgin Trains USA spokesperson said. “Additionally, approximately two million spikes and bolts will be hammered and put in place over the next 36 months.”

The continued construction from the airport to West Palm Beach “is imminent,” according to Virgin officials, with the project expected to be completed by 2022. The rail company started operating last year between Miami and West Palm Beach.

Virgin Trains USA also revealed plans to develop service between the Orlando airport and tamp, with a station at Walt Disney World. The company said the route has the potential to serve 10 million passengers annually.