Florida East Coast Railway & Melbourne At Impass

Melbourne is facing a standoff with Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) over proposed upgrades to local train crossings aimed at improving safety. The city plans to install quad gates at five crossings following recent fatal accidents involving Brightline trains. However, Florida East Coast Railway’s approval is stalled as they demand the closure of two crossings in South Melbourne, a condition the city deems unacceptable. With a grant proposal on hold, Melbourne officials are frustrated by Florida East Coast Railway’s stance and are seeking a face-to-face meeting to resolve the issue. The safety upgrades, priced at over $4.3 million, are seen as essential for reducing train-related accidents and improving community safety.