Brightline breaks ground on Boca Raton station

Brightline officials yesterday broke ground on a new station in Bacon Raton, the passenger railroad's fifth station in Florida.

Brightline trains arriving at the 38,000-square-foot facility will connect riders to Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and, eventually, Orlando. The station will be located on 1.8 acres and will offer a premium lounge, cashless environment and high-speed internet service, Brightline officials said in a press release.

The station is expected to open to the public in the fall. Kaufman Lynn Construction Inc. is the construction manager for the station and related parking garage. Zyscovich Architects is responsible for design.

Last year, Brightline received a $16.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to help cover the cost of building the station, parking garage and associated rail infrastructure. The city of Boca Raton is contributing $9.9 million toward the garage's construction. Brightline will cover the remaining estimated $30 million.

Officials attending the groundbreaking ceremony included Brightline President Patrick Goddard, U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer.