Project Overview
A study is underway to explore commuter rail service on the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway, from Aventura to Deerfield Beach. A technical team from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has analyzed potential locations for stops along the commuter rail line and recommends a stop in downtown Oakland Park. FDOT will host a series of public meetings in January to provide a project update and gather public input, see meeting details below.
Oakland Park has pursued the goal of a rail platform in its downtown for more than a decade. A potential platform along Dixie Highway could support development and spur economic growth throughout the area. A rail stop could also see downtown properties appreciate approximately 20 to 30 percent within three to five years. The City Commission passed a resolution of support for a train stop in 2010 and 2019. In a 2021 citywide survey, 77% of residents supported the idea of a stop in Oakland Park. Click here to learn more and sign a letter of support for the commuter rail project.
Upcoming Public Meetings
FDOT will host two virtual and one in-person meeting in January to discuss the proposed commuter rail project and get public input. FDOT plans to present to the Broward County Commission the general station locations and the recommended alternative for the crossing of the New River.
Virtual Meetings
Session 1: Thursday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. Register here
Session 2: Thursday, Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m. Register here
In-Person Meeting
Monday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. Register here
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Project F.A.Q.
The following questions and answers provide an overview of some of the information to be presented during the public meetings.
1. What will the FDOT technical team present at the meeting that is specific to Oakland Park?
The FDOT technical team that has analyzed train stop locations on the commuter line will discuss a potential rail platform in the vicinity of 34 Court and 38 Street in downtown Oakland Park. As the project progresses, FDOT will work with the City of Oakland Park to determine the exact platform location.
2. Will the presentation include a specific platform location, or only the general area (somewhere between Oakland Park Boulevard and NE 38 Street)?
The FDOT technical team may show a tentative platform location. The final location will be coordinated with the City of Oakland Park at a later date.
3. What will happen after the January public meetings?
The FDOT project team plans to present a recommendation to the Broward County Commission in the spring. The recommendation will identify the general station locations and an alternative for the crossing of the New River. A decision by the County Commission is necessary to move into the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Project Development process, which will allow the project to compete for federal funds through the FTA Capital Improvement Grant program. Broward County Commission approval will determine the cities where rail stops will be located, FDOT will continue to work with the cities to determine the exact platform locations in each city.
4. When will the City of Oakland Park be able to provide feedback on the preferred platform location?
Following the Broward County Commission's approval of the cities that will have rail stop locations, the FDOT technical team will work with the City of Oakland Park to reach an agreement regarding the exact platform location.
5. Are Broward County and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) required to approve the general rail stop locations and crossing of the New River?
Yes, Broward County and the MPO must approve the general rail stop locations and the recommended alternatives for the crossing of the New River. It is anticipated that Broward County will vote on the recommendations in February and the MPO will consider the recommendations in March or April.
6. Where can I find more information?
For more information on the proposed Commuter Rail project, please visit the FDOT website at www.browardcommuterrailstudy.com.