Brightline Florida’s East-West Connector: 2025 Hay Award & Rail Innovation

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Introduction

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) presented the 2025 William W. Hay Award for Excellence to the Brightline Florida project’s East-West Connector. The award was given at AREMA’s annual conference in Indianapolis to representatives from Brightline Florida and HNTB Corp. The 38-mile East-West Connector links Orlando and Miami, allowing passengers to travel between Orlando International Airport and Miami in three hours and 25 minutes.

Award Presentation

The William W. Hay Award for Excellence was awarded at AREMA’s annual conference. The award presentation recognized the Brightline Florida project’s East-West Connector.

Project Overview

The East-West Connector is a 38-mile segment of Brightline’s passenger rail line. The project allows for travel between Orlando and Miami. The journey from Orlando International Airport to Miami takes three hours and 25 minutes.

Construction Details

The East-West Connector project involved over 700 workers. The project included 20 grade separations.

Award Background

The William W. Hay Award was established in 1999. The award recognizes rail infrastructure projects that excel in safety, innovation, and service reliability. It honors William Walter Hay, a longtime AREMA contributor and railway engineering professor.

Conclusion

The Brightline Florida project’s East-West Connector received the 2025 William W. Hay Award for Excellence from AREMA. The project connects Orlando and Miami with a 38-mile rail line.

Company Summary

Brightline Florida: Brightline Florida is a passenger rail line operator. Its East-West Connector project was recognized with the William W. Hay Award for Excellence.

HNTB Corp.: HNTB Corp. is a company involved in the Brightline Florida project.

AREMA: The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) is the organization that presented the William W. Hay Award for Excellence.

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