May 2017
Archer Western-de Moya Joint Venture Selected for I-395 Revitalization
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The Florida Department Of Transportation (FDOT) selected Archer Western- de Moya Joint Venture to rebuild I-395 and construct the “Bridge for the Ages” that will redefine the Miami skyline and its connection to Miami Beach.
The project is a public-private partnership between FDOT and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, and involves three projects that will be constructed concurrently by Archer Western-de Moya Joint Venture to minimize impacts to the public. FDOT states the three projects as:
I-395 Improvements: The limits on I-395 are from the SR 836 / I-95 / I-395 (Midtown) Interchange to the MacArthur Causeway, approximately 1.4 miles long. The project will completely reconstruct the existing interstate and create a signature bridge that will span 1,025 feet over NE 2 Avenue and State Road (SR) 5/Biscayne Boulevard redefining the Miami skyline with its six sweeping arches. The signature bridge with its high vertical clearance will transform the area beneath I-395 into 55 acres of vibrant open communal spaces for the enjoyment of Overtown residents, nearby communities and visitors. The project will add additional capacity to I-395 with a total of three through lanes in each direction and provide separate connector ramps for traffic to and from I-95. The existing I-395 eastbound off-ramps at NE 2 Avenue will be moved west to North Miami Avenue, and the westbound on-ramps at NE 1 Avenue will be shifted to the west to North Miami Avenue. NW 2 Avenue will also be reconnected under I-395 providing residents greater access.
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SR 836 Improvements: The limits on SR 836 are from NW 17 Avenue to the Midtown Interchange. This project is a continuation of MDX’s work program to modernize the SR 836 corridor. The improvements on SR 836 include the construction of a Viaduct (elevated bridge) that begins just east of the toll gantry at NW 17 Avenue, rising over the center of SR 836 allowing drivers to bypass the I-95 Interchange touching down at I-395 west of I-95. The Viaduct will have two lanes in each direction and will allow drivers continuing east to Watson Island, PortMiami and Miami Beach to entirely bypass the Midtown interchange and its ramps. The existing SR 836 roadway and bridges will serve as a collector distributor system to allow drivers to enter and exit from the existing local roads and I-95. This collector distributor system will reduce the existing weaving movements resulting in enhanced safety and better traffic operations on SR 836. In addition, the existing eastbound SR 836 ramp to northbound I-95 will be widened to include an additional lane greatly reducing the congestion that drivers currently experience.
I-95 Concrete Replacement Project: The limits for the improvements on I-95 are from NW 8 Street to NW 29 Street and include the total replacement of the concrete pavement for both the northbound and southbound travel lanes. The AW-dMG team has also added a seventh lane in the northbound direction to receive the additional lane from eastbound SR 836 ramp to northbound I-95 and enhance the flow of traffic through the Midtown Interchange. This portion of the project will also enhance safety, rideability and durability of I-95 along the project limits.
The new bridge will ease traffic congestion, connect communities with downtown neighborhoods, and provide an iconic bridge for Miami’s skyline. The project will also include a 55-acre “Heritage Trail” underneath the bridge with a 63-foot clearance. This iconic trail will be equipped with historical community figures, fountains, parks and mixed-use areas.
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The multi-arch “Miami Fountain of Light” design of the bridge is stated to be the only of its kind in the world, and it will be equipped with full LED lighting throughout the structure.
The entire project is expected to be completed in four years and will begin to relieve traffic as early as 12 months from breaking ground.