ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — When Brightline begins high-speed rail service from Orlando, it will mean more trains on the tracks in Brevard County.

More trains means more chances for crashes with vehicles at the 50 crossings along the Space Coast.

What You Need To Know

  • Leah Frush is concerned crashes will be more commonplace when Brightline begins service to Orlando

  • AP: At least 88 deaths in South Florida have been connected to Brightline since 2017

  • Brightline trains will pass at 50 crossings in Brevard County

  • Brightline is working with police to warn drivers about the increase in train traffic; installing quad gates to prevent crashes

“People try to run those rails all the time, so I’m afraid it’s definitely going to be ugly right here,” said Leah Frush.

Frush works at Lacey’s Lock Service, next to the railroad tracks at Barton Boulevard and US-1 in Rockledge.

There have already been crashes involving Brightline trains in South Florida.

The Associated Press found at least 88 deaths connected to Brightline since it began operations in South Florida in 2017.

“Any incidents have been a result of human behavior,” said Brightline Public Affairs Director Katie Mitzner. “It’s important for people to follow the law at all times, and pay attention around railroad crossings and railroad tracks.”

Brightline is planning 32 trips daily between Orlando and Miami, reaching speeds of 110 miles per hour.

Mitzner and local police in Brevard County have been trying to warn drivers about the increase in train traffic.

“It takes a Brightline train a mile to stop,” said Mitzner. “Once you see a Brightline train, it’s too late.”

To prevent crashes, Brightline, at some crossings, has installed extra gates.

“(The quad gate) makes it difficult, if not impossible, for a vehicle to go around,” Mitzner said.

Mitzner says they’ve spent millions of dollars in safety enhancements at the 50 railroad crossings in Brevard County.