Sunrail Deland Expansion: July 2023 Construction Update

I've teamed up with Herzog Contracting to document the construction of Sunrail's Deland expansion. Sunrail's Deland expansion is the third and final phase of Sunrail's original plan, expanding north over 12 miles from Debary to a new station in Deland. Over the next year or so, I'll be providing occasional updates on the track and station construction. This video looks at the progress as of July 2023
Check Out My Social Media Pages!
Facebook: / theroamingrailfan
Twitter: / roamingrailfan
Instagram: / the_roaming_railfan
This was filmed on July 29, 2023
Enjoy my videos? Consider supporting my channel! Anything contributed will go to covering the expenses I incur while filming these updates (including my gas bill) and for upgrading my equipment. You can contribute through the following link: www.buymeacoffee.com/RoamingR...

[@edwardlmerrieljr6822]

As an employee with Sunrail, I'm looking forward to this expansion and eventually expanding to the airport to connect with Brightline.

[@maestromecanico597]

As a Central Floridian we are ALL looking forward to this expansion, such as it is, and a connection with Brightline.

[@edwardlmerrieljr6822]

@@maestromecanico597 we can only hope

[@xxrockraiderxx]

It's good that all this is happening. Florida isn't really a state you'd think of when thinking about the future of passenger rail in the US, and whilst it may not be going full throttle, it's doing far more than a lot of other states and people do seem to be making active use of it. So I'd say there's a good hope for the future in Florida's public transit network, or at least the rail part of it.

[@kennethhanks6712]

Though not on the same ground breaking level as Brightline, now that it is wrapping up their latest chapter, this will be a fascinating project to follow over the next year or so. Especially now that we have become used to your excellent quality update productions this will enable you to "keep your hand in"-until the next Brightline expansion!

[@franksforz4374]

Congratulations on teaming up with Herzog. Looking forward to following this project with you. thanks again for a great job with Brightline.

[@roboftherock]

Aha, official recognition of the quality of your work. Well done.

[@brandonk7361]

Nice work as always! Herzog Contracting is also showing official interest in the Track & Systems-related contracts for the CAHSR project. I hope they keep in touch with you if they start working on that project because I would love to see the job you could do to boost progress visibility in California.

[@CDelandFl]

AWESOME JOB!

[@thastayapongsak4422]

I love watching mass transit get built.

[@TheGomomma]

Out of scope of these updates but sun rail desperately needs TOD around these stations. Lord knows Orlando needs the new housing anyways, would be a win-win. Good video.

[@jimwilloughby]

I got hooked on your videos while watching the Brightline construction, so hehehe, you've got me for these too.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I live in Western Volusia County and it is nice to see many of my stomping grounds from the air.

[@maddogcharm]

Love seeing Florida develop rail. I really hope Melbourne Airport gets a Brightline station. There would be no need to drive to Orlando or Miami as much when visiting friends or flying out of those larger airports. Just take the train! 🙏🤞

[@Sven_Okas1967]

Thanks that you make mow this new projekt. Greetings from Berlin/ Germany. Sven

[@Brianrockrailfan]

Awesome 🛤👍

[@richiej5884]

This brought back memories when I took Amtrak's Silver Star down to Kissimmee many years ago. I do remember how quaint the Deland Train Station (and a few others along the route) were. I hope they keep it as is and not "modernize" it. You really got some great aerial shots of the track and looking forward to seeing more as the work progresses. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this for us!

[@spuds6423]

Just took the Autotrain out of Sanford on Monday and I noticed the extensive work being done. I figured it was for Sunrail. Thanks for keeping us updated. 👍

[@RosLounge]

Can’t wait for this!!!!

[@JackFerguson]

Its good to see you branching out in your coverage. Where is the Auto train station in relation to the Deland Station? It seems I've seen SunRail passing the Auto Train station.

[@RoamingRailfan]

It is about 4.5 miles south of the Debary station so that would be about 15 miles south of Deland.

[@gumbyshrimp2606]

Ok so when is Brightline expanding

[@RoamingRailfan]

Umm, that all I have been covering for the past three years... Orlando opens next month!

[@gumbyshrimp2606]

@@RoamingRailfan ok cool thanks

[@OleanderJunction]

Do you know if the ATCS screen for this line still works ?

[@RoamingRailfan]

I believe it does

[@mandonov21]

What’s the reason for opting for that island platform configuration if the exisiting platform remains? Were there issues with having two tracks in the middle of two side platforms?

[@RoamingRailfan]

Probably a combination of space and the fact that Amtrak needs a platform much longer than Sunrail does, plus it keeps passengers separated between the two services.

[@ausie7of9]

15:10 you said when rebuilt the crossing will have 2 tracks but it currently has 3, are they removing one of the current 3 tracks as part of the extension?

[@RoamingRailfan]

I guess I should have said 2 mainline tracks and a siding track.

[@4014fan]

Will they still keep the old Deland Station or are they going to tear it down?

[@RoamingRailfan]

It will remain

[@BradRains]

Are there any future plans for Sunrail expansion north of Deland after this current project is finished?

[@RoamingRailfan]

Not that I am aware of

[@danielunger9340]

Is Sunrail working with Brightline or they in competition with each other n which passenger rail service will have the cheapest tickets n which passenger rail service will be faster n better if they are competing against each other?

[@RoamingRailfan]

They are completely different kinds of service serving different areas, so not in competition

[@sumanpaul1987]

Is there much utility in this expansion? What are the increase in ridership projections?

[@RoamingRailfan]

I'm not aware of any recent ridership studies. This is the final part of Sunrail's original vision that was approved and committed to over a decade ago that they are just now getting around to building

[@michaelbennett5568]

Did power lines cause you to often fly higher than over on FEC right-of-ways?

[@RoamingRailfan]

I definitely give the power lines a wider birth more than anything. It is more that I am not as familiar with these areas so I give myself more buffer room when flying.