Miami is a city known for its beaches, nightlife, and diverse culture. But like any major urban center, it faces challenges in keeping up with the growing demands of its population, particularly in terms of transportation infrastructure. The I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) that aims to address some of these challenges by adding capacity, enhancing traffic flow and safety, and improving access along I-395, SR 836, and I-95.

One of the main features of the project is the construction of the Signature Bridge, which will span over Northeast Second Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, providing an upper deck of traffic over the Miami River and State Road 836, while also adding one lane to the northbound entrance to I-95. While the project comes with a high price tag of $818 million and a completion date pushed back to summer 2026, its benefits are set to be significant.

Pros of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project

Increased Capacity

One of the main benefits of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project is the increased capacity it will provide to the city's transportation infrastructure. The construction of the Signature Bridge and the addition of an upper deck of traffic over the Miami River and State Road 836 will significantly enhance traffic flow, making travel more efficient, and reducing congestion on the roads.

Enhanced Traffic Flow and Safety

The reduction of weaving movements is one of the main goals of the project. This will improve traffic flow and safety on SR 836, and the addition of an upper deck of traffic over the Miami River will provide a direct connection to the MacArthur Causeway free of local entry and exit traffic. This will significantly enhance traffic flow and make travel more efficient. The project also includes the addition of one lane to the northbound entrance to I-95, which will further enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Improved Access

Improving access to major roadways is an essential aspect of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project. The addition of an upper deck of traffic over the Miami River and State Road 836 will provide a direct connection to the MacArthur Causeway, making it easier for drivers to get to and from the beach. This will also reduce traffic on local roads, making travel more efficient.

Attractive Skyline

The Signature Bridge is set to be a striking addition to Miami's skyline. Its distinctive arches are already taking shape and will make the city more attractive to tourists and visitors. This could provide a boost to the local economy by encouraging more people to visit and spend money in the city.

Cons of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project

High Cost

The I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project comes with a high price tag of $818 million. While the benefits of the project are significant, it is still a considerable expense that will be funded through taxes and tolls. Some critics argue that the money could be better spent on other projects, such as public transportation.

Construction Delays

The completion date of the project has been pushed back to summer 2026 due to various issues, including the pandemic and supply chain problems, additional design time and construction delays for the Signature Bridge, anticipated weather delays, and work restrictions due to special events and holidays. These delays can cause inconvenience and frustration for drivers who rely on these roads and may impact the overall cost of the project.

Lane Closures and Detours

Construction activities are causing some detours and lane closures, which can cause inconvenience for drivers. While these closures are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient completion of the project, they can still cause delays and frustration, particularly for commuters who rely on these roads to get to work or other essential destinations. It's essential for the project's contractors to communicate these closures and detours effectively, so drivers can plan their routes accordingly and minimize disruptions.

Environmental Impact

Large infrastructure projects like the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project can have a significant impact on the environment. Construction activities can lead to increased pollution, and the project may require the removal of trees and other natural features. It's essential for the project's contractors to take steps to mitigate these impacts and ensure that the project is completed in an environmentally responsible way.

Despite these challenges, the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project is an essential investment in Miami's future. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's essential to have robust transportation infrastructure that can keep up with the demands of the population. The Signature Bridge and other elements of the project will provide significant benefits, including increased capacity, enhanced traffic flow and safety, improved access, and a more attractive skyline. These benefits will have a positive impact on the city's economy, environment, and quality of life for its residents.

Construction Updates

Construction on the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project is ongoing, with various activities taking place across the project's construction limits. The following are some of the ongoing activities:

I-395

The Signature Bridge is the centerpiece of the project, and construction activities are ongoing to bring it to life. Some of the activities taking place include:

• Installation of a temporary bridge over North Miami Avenue
• Construction of a temporary westbound and eastbound I-395 bypass from North Miami Avenue to I-95
• Installation of arch segments for the Signature Bridge
• Nighttime Auger Cast Pile installation for support tower foundations from east of Biscayne Boulevard to Northeast First Avenue between I-395 and Northeast 13th Street
• Erection of bridge segments between North Miami Avenue and Northwest First Place
• Ongoing work at four of the six Signature Bridge arches, including placement of precast arch segments at arch two just west of Northeast Second Avenue
• Preparation for the next concrete pour at the Signature Bridge center pier foundation between Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Second Avenue just north of I-395
• Nighttime roadway operations on I-395 from the MacArthur Causeway to I-95

SR 836

Construction on the new SR 836 second level is ongoing, with activities taking place from Northwest 17th Avenue to I-95. The second level roadway will provide drivers with a direct connection to the MacArthur Causeway that is free of local entry and exit traffic. Some of the activities taking place include:

• First concrete deck pour for the new SR 836 double-decked roadway
• Installation of SR 836 bridge cap segments and beams for the double-decked roadway using the overhead lifter
• Bridge widening on eastbound SR 836 over Northwest 14th Street and Northwest 10th Avenue
• Construction of a trestle bridge in the Miami River south bank between the shoreline and the fendering system
• Continued substructure activities on or adjacent to SR 836 from Northwest Seventh to 12th avenues
• Foundation construction at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building parking area
• Ongoing casting of bridge caps
• Construction of double-decked substructure and piers at the core of the interchange

• Pavement inspections are ongoing from Northwest 17th to 29th streets
• Concrete pavement is being replaced at night on I-95 from Northwest Eighth to 17th streets
• Intelligent Transportation System devices are being installed
• Workers are installing new guardrail
• Traffic railing is being retrofitted on several bridges

Road Closures and Detours

As construction activities continue, there will be various road closures and detours across the project's construction limits. These closures and detours are necessary to ensure that the project can be completed safely and efficiently. It's essential for drivers to stay up to date on these closures and detours, so they can plan their routes accordingly. The following are some of the upcoming closures and detours:

Dec. 2 and Dec. 5 through Dec. 9: Northwest 14th Street will be closed from Northwest Seventh to Northwest First avenues from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. to allow the contractor to work on segmental bridge construction over the roadway. Drivers can use Northwest 17th Street as an alternate.

I-95 lane closures, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 4, and Dec. 4 through Dec. 9 include:

• Up to four lanes on southbound I-95 from Northwest 29th to Eighth streets will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Closures on Friday will be from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.
• Up to four lanes on northbound I-95 will be closed nightly from Northwest Eighth to 29th streets from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Closures on Friday will be from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.

I-395 mainline lane closures, Dec. 2 and Dec. 4, and from Dec. 4 through Dec. 9 include:

• One lane on mainline eastbound I-395 will be closed as needed from I-95 to Biscayne Boulevard between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
• Up to two lanes on mainline westbound I-395 will be closed as needed from Biscayne Boulevard to I-95 between 11:45 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

An existing long-term closure of Northwest First Place from Northwest 13th to 14th streets will continue to allow the contractor to work on bridges over the roadways. This also includes the closure of Northwest 14th Terrace from Northwest Third to Northwest Second avenues. Drivers can use Northwest 15th Street as an alternate. There will also be a closure of Northwest First Court from 13th to 14th streets and Northwest 13th Street from Northwest First Avenue to Northwest First Court.

FDOT advises that full closures of SR 836 at night will come as needed.

Conclusion

The I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project is a massive undertaking that will transform Miami's transportation infrastructure. The project includes a variety of elements, including the Signature Bridge, an upper deck of traffic built over State Road 836 and the Miami River, and the addition of one lane to the northbound entrance to I-95. While the project has faced some challenges, including delays due to the pandemic and supply chain issues, the benefits it will provide to Miami make it an essential investment in the city's future.

Construction activities are ongoing across the project's construction limits, with various activities taking place on I-395, SR 836, and I-95. As these activities continue, there will be various road closures and detours that drivers should be aware of. It's essential for drivers to stay up to date on these closures and detours so they

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