Brightline train is running along newly built track as part of the expansion from West Palm Beach to Orlando. Now a stations is planned for the Treasure Coast. [Photo by Brightline]
Brightline announced the selection of Martin County and the city of Stuart as the location for an intercity passenger rail station.
The company evaluated five proposals from private and public landowners along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The expansion into the Treasure Coast region will enable Brightline to serve nearly half of Florida’s residents and millions of visitors.
Congressman Brian Mast (R-21st District) attended the announcement and congratulated the county and city. “This is proof that our community can work together and come to a solution if we use common sense,” Mast said. “I look forward to the economic development the Treasure Coast stop will bring to our local businesses and the opportunities it will provide to the surrounding cities and to the region.”
Factors in Stuart’s favor included the site’s geographical and physical attributes and its potential for seamless integration potential into Brightline’s current rail network. Brightline emphasized the local market dynamics and the site’s proximity to local attractions.
“We couldn’t be more excited to make the city of Stuart our hub for Brightline along Florida’s Treasure Coast,” said Brightline’s senior vice president of development and construction, Brian Kronberg, who cited significant demand for the rail line throughout the Treasure Coast.
The unveiling of the site begins the process of formalizing a deal structure with Martin County and Stuart. Upon receiving approvals from the city and county, Brightline and its partners will begin the design and engineering phases for the station, parking facilities and rail infrastructure.
The 2.35-acre site in historic downtown Stuart is strategically positioned between the Miami and Orlando stations and is about 40 miles north of Brightline West Palm Beach.
“This marks a historic return to our roots and fulfills a vision held by Stuart for over 30 years, offering residents and visitors alike a first-class journey to Stuart, away from the congestion of highways,” Stuart Mayor Becky Brunner said. “Stuart welcomes Brightline to our seaside town and looks forward to developing a partnership that defines the future of travel and transportation in Florida.”
