An artist rendering of the signature bridge on I-395 in Miami. Credit: I395-Miami.comConstruction has begun on an $802 million reconstruction of Interstate 395 in Miami that will not only improve traffic flow and safety on three of the city’s main corridors, but also change its skyline.
The project includes a 1,025-foot suspension bridge on I-395 with six sweeping 330-foot arches over Biscayne Boulevard and NE 2 Avenue. The bridge will be illuminated and have a 30-acre community park beneath it.
The project is designed to increase capacity on SR 836, I-95 and I-395, as well as improve safety by reducing dangers when entering and exiting SR 836 and I-95 at the Midtown Interchange. A pedestrian trail will also be built, and the area under the signature bridge will provide an area for local food and crafts markets, a children’s playground and a circular interactive water fountain that mimics the bridge’s six arches.
The project is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2023. It is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX). The AW-dMG Joint Venture won the design-build contract.
The project consists of three sections that will be constructed at the same time, according to FDOT:
- I-395 – Along with the signature bridge, the 1.4-mile section from the SR 836/I-95/I-395 Midtown Interchange will be widened to three lanes in each direction and provide separate connector ramps to and from I-95.
- I-95 – Concrete pavement will be replaced between NW 8 Street and NW 29 Street. An auxiliary lane will be added along northbound I-95 to improve flow at the Midtown Interchange. A new connector ramp from southbound I-95 to westbound SR 836 will be built to improve safety.
- SR 836 – A section of SR 836 will be double-decked and rise over the center of SR 836 between NW 17 Avenue and I-395 east of the I-95 interchange. The double-decked section will give drivers a connection to the MacArthur Causeway that is free of local entry and exit traffic, the FDOT says.
