Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, Orange and Osceola counties and the Federal Transit Administration turned out in Kissimmee to mark the start of the second phase of SunRail’s southbound expansion. The bill for the $186.9 million extension of Central Florida’s commuter rail system will be split between the federal government, which will contribute $93 million, while the state of Florida and Orange and Osceola counties which will pay the remainder.
The second Phase will add 17.2 miles of track to the route for a total of 48.2 miles from Debary (the furthest north) to its southern most point in Poinciana. The four new stops will be in the Orange County’s Meadow Woods neighborhood, the headquarters of Tupperware Brands Corp. on Osceola Parkway, Downtown Kissimmee and Poinciana.
“We applaud Central Florida’s vision and support for a safe, efficient and connected transportation network that gives more than 2 million residents a convenient and reliable alternative to traffic congestion on Interstate 4,” said Therese McMillan, FTA acting administrator.“SunRail will connect residents from Orange and Osceola counties with the jobs and services they need while removing barriers to success throughout the region.”
