Riviera Beach board raises alarm about growing train traffic, cites mobility plan and Safe Streets grant for follow-up
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Summary
Board members warned that increased train activity tied to nearby logistics operations could worsen traffic delays; staff said the city is working with the port, will pursue mobility planning with county partners, launch a walk audit at Washington Elementary and participate in a CRA mobility workshop.
Board members at the March 26 Riviera Beach Planning & Zoning Board meeting raised concerns that train operations could become more frequent and disruptive as local logistics activity increases.
"It's gonna get worse. Of course, with increased contracts, this is gonna become worse and more frequent," one board member warned, describing conversations with a company the board referred to as Tropical.
City staff said the administration has been in ongoing discussions with the port and is focused on limiting long train blockages that can last 15–20 minutes when long trains are being built or staged. Staff noted the city lacks direct regulatory authority over freight operations and that negotiations and coordination are the primary tools available.
Board members suggested the city consider a transportation study with county and metropolitan planning organization partners to quantify impacts and provide evidence for negotiations with port or operators. Several members also noted the city’s mobility planning work: Councilmember Lucy Joseph will join the mobility plan steering committee and the city has been awarded a Safe Streets grant.
Staff invited the community to join a walk audit at Washington Elementary School at 9:00 a.m. (date announced during the meeting) as part of the Safe Streets scope, and noted the CRA will hold a mobility workshop on April 7 between 6 and 8 p.m. to coordinate regional and local mobility efforts.
The board asked staff to gather data and pursue coordinated planning so the city can present a stronger case when negotiating with railroad operators or companies whose operations affect traffic flow.
