U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that trespassing incidents and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor declined 30% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2026 following the deployment of a $25 million federal rail safety investment.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the funding supported safety improvements along the 195-mile Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor between Miami and Cocoa.

The project includes upgrades at 327 highway-rail grade crossings, installation of 33 miles of fencing, deployment of rail dynamic envelopes, roadway striping, delineators, crisis support indicators, and "Do Not Stop on Tracks" signage.

Feds Addressing Passenger Rail Safety

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) said grade crossing collisions and pedestrian incidents account for the majority of rail-related fatalities nationwide, and that the improvements are intended to reduce the risk of crashes and trespassing along the corridor.

"Grade crossing collisions and pedestrian events are responsible for 96% of rail-related deaths in the U.S.," said FRA Administrator David Fink. "We are confident that these investments will help prevent further needless deaths and injuries due to grade crossing collisions and trespassing."

According to FRA, the agency has invested $42 million in rail safety projects along the Brightline Florida corridor.

 As of June 5, 2026, officials said 173 of the 327 targeted crossings had been upgraded, and more than 116 crisis support signs had been installed.

The Department of Transportation said the grants supporting the project were originally awarded several years ago and are among a broader group of previously awarded grants currently being advanced through implementation.