Archives

  • www.xinsurance.com
Advertisement
The Newspaper for the Future of Miami
Connect with us:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
Front Page » Transportation » State nears new I-395 signature bridge downtown

State nears new I-395 signature bridge downtown

Written by on December 20, 2016
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement
State nears new I-395 signature bridge downtown

The state transportation department is closer than ever to final plans to improve I-395 and build a new signature bridge spanning Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami.

If the current timetable unfolds without unexpected detours, work on the massive project should begin within 12 months.

That’s the word from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Five firms approved by the state to enter the final phase of the procurement process are currently preparing final details of price proposals. A bid opening is set for spring.

A public meeting to announce technical scores and open price proposals is scheduled for April 10, Maria I. Perdomo of the transportation department said this week. She is project manager for the I-395 revamp.

The project, which includes improvements to I-95 and 836, has an estimated cost of $800 million and will be accomplished through a team effort.

Ms. Perdomo identified the five joint ventures that passed the pass/fail phase of the Aesthetic Signature Bridge Proposal as:

■Archer Western – de Moya JV

■Building a New Miami Partners

■Flour-Astaldi-MCM

■Kiewit Granite Construction, a Joint Venture

■Miami Community Builders JV

In February, when the transportation department requested proposals concerning procurement for the I-395 / SR 836 / I-95 Reconstruction Project, state officials said they were requesting proposals from design/build firms.

The state is seeking a qualified firm that is experienced in the reconstruction of roadways and bridges and “must have proven ability to deliver a reconstruction project of this magnitude.” The five design/build firms were short-listed this fall.

The bulk of the project is to rebuild 1.4 miles of I-395 from the I-95/Midtown interchange to the west channel bridge of the MacArthur Causeway in Miami.

The freeway to be rebuilt is part of State Road 836, known as the Dolphin Expressway. The portion between I-95 and the causeway is designated as I-395 and takes traffic to and from Watson Island and Miami Beach.

The total project consists of four components: the I-395 reconstruction; improvements to Miami-Dade Expressway Authority’s SR 83611; I-95 pavement reconstruction; and the westbound connector.

The project involves rebuilding the I-395 corridor to increase capacity and improve safety by eliminating geometric and operational deficiencies.

New elevated ramps, one for each of the east and west directions, will provide a direct link between I-95 and I-395.

The project includes building a signature bridge over Biscayne Boulevard and enhancing streetscape design under the bridge.

Main goals include creating a visually appealing bridge, and building higher structures that will improve visual quality, allowing for multiple activities underneath the bridge.

Other improvements include updating the alignment and surface streets; roadway and aesthetic lighting; drainage improvements; Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements; bicycle and pedestrian improvements; and improving the area underneath the expressway by providing pedestrian pathways and common activity areas.

All of the work is to be completed in five years, according to the state.

9 Responses to State nears new I-395 signature bridge downtown

  1. DC Copeland

    December 21, 2016 at 7:08 am

    That $800 mill will build a two-track monorail from the MB convention center to downtown Miami’s Grand Central Station and reduce traffic. http://bit.ly/1glD761 The “Signature” bridge is the last thing we need since the old one functions quite nicely. Making it higher for the sake of making it higher is silly and a total waste of money.

  2. Glenn

    December 22, 2016 at 11:46 am

    As if traffic isn’t bad enough…now we have this?? Is this really necessary?

  3. Jose Pepe Cancio

    December 23, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I’m in favor of the FDOT I-395 signature bridge and all the traffic improvements that will come with, 836 /I-95 ASAP. The Miami Beach Bay Link to Miami is another big project. Miami Beach, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County need to get together and work on all the issues.

    Jose Pepe Cancio
    Former Miami Dade County Commissioner
    Former Miami Dade County Expressway Authority Board Member

    • Reuven L

      December 25, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      Yes let’s spend billions on ancient technology in the #1 at risk city for sea level rise. Where is the common sense?

  4. jaime

    December 23, 2016 at 10:40 am

    We need a monorail like the one in Chiba, Japan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiba_Urban_Monorail . We should have one of these from the beach to Midtown and Wynwood, and on to Government Center and Brickell. This is where we should be spending the money.

  5. SEFTA

    December 23, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    That’s a lot of money just to push “Lexus Lanes” to the beach

  6. Steven Dloogoff

    December 23, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Great idea, do not know how the original structure is, but it is old and needs to be updated. How about getting this project done in record time? Like 3 to 4 years.

  7. Reuven L

    December 25, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    Should be called the taxpayer bridge, we’re paying for it

  8. Willie Benbrook

    December 28, 2016 at 9:17 am

    This “signature” bridge will remove the current I-95 roadway which has, for ages, separated the Overtown area from downtown Miami, which allowed the area to fall into financial ruin. The proposed elevated bridge will once again allow pedestrians/vehicles to move more freely in the area without the barrier/barricade created by I-95 at ground level. Finally, this major mistake is being corrected. However, it’s sad to see yet more of the never-ending construction in this area. Collins Ave. businesses, such as Wolfie’s Deli, were put out of business due to long road projects, Miracle Mile businesses are now complaining that they are barely holding on. Now with the new rail station being built, and the proposed project of I-95, SR 836, and 395, this will add further ruin to businesses in the are. Goodbye Arsht Center.

  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement