INFORMATION & UPDATES
FEC Quiet Zone Update
Phase 1 Construction is Underway
Phase I construction for All Aboard Florida's new Brightline express passenger rail service is well underway along the FEC corridor, including construction of its intermodal station in downtown West Palm Beach. Over the next several months, MPO funded supplemental safety infrastructure features will be installed at grade crossings. This will enable local governments along the rail corridor to establish a continuous Quiet Zone from Broward County to West Palm Beach, consistent with All Aboard Florida service commencement in 2017. Phase 1 includes additional stations in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

The Palm Beach MPO is committed to providing any necessary support to enable a continuation of the Quiet Zone throughout northern Palm Beach County when All Aboard Florida proceeds with Phase II construction to Orlando.
Quiet Zones are stretches of rail corridor where the routine blowing of train horns is not required for passenger or freight trains due to the installation of supplemental safety features at roadway crossings along the route.
For additional information on All Aboard Florida including construction updates: www.AllAboardFlorida.com
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U.S. Dept. of Transportation Updates
FASTLANE Grant Program
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation (USDOT) is soliciting applications for the Fostering Advancement in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program to fund critical freight and highway projects across the country. The FAST Act authorizes $800M for fiscal year 2016, with 25 percent reserved for rural projects, and 10 percent for smaller projects. Applications are due on April 14, 2016. Click for more information.
TIGER Grant Program
$500 million will be made available for transportation projects across the country under an eighth round of funding through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. These discretionary grants will fund capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and will be awarded for projects that will have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area, or a region. Applications are due April 29, 2016. Click for more information.
FHWA Earmark Repurposing
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has asked states to identify eligible projects for which old earmarked funds may be re-purposed. In Florida, only 14 projects have greater than $1M available and only one of these is located in District 4. FDOT is leading the analysis regarding repurposing of these funds but will coordinate its recommendations through the MPOs. Click for more information.
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Transportation Project Highlights
- Interchange Improvements at I-95 and Donald Ross Rd. (Palm Beach Gardens) began April 4
- The eastbound outside lane of SR 80 (Southern Blvd.) at Benoist Farms Road is closed around-the-clock through April 15 for a gas line repair
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