FDOT briefs Cutler Bay on planned safety and traffic changes for US‑1 corridor

The Florida Department of Transportation briefed the Cutler Bay Town Council on March 19 about planned design improvements on U.S. 1 from Marlin Road to SW 180th/180 Third Street aimed at reducing crashes and improving pedestrian safety.

Mario Duran, FDOT project manager, outlined the corridor improvements, which target three intersections the department identified as crash “hot spots” — at Marlin Road, and intersections near 186th and 184th streets — and include new left‑turn lanes, added crosswalks, revised turn lane geometry and the introduction of directional islands and consolidated U‑turns to limit unsafe left‑turn movements.

At the Martin Road intersection, FDOT proposes a new dedicated left‑turn lane and a relocated median lighting mast arm to accommodate new signal configurations. At other locations FDOT intends to add crosswalks where none exist today and to modify existing left‑turn geometry to reduce conflict points. In one area near a furniture store, FDOT said it is studying whether to remove an existing left‑turn opening and direct drivers to a U‑turn about 600 feet north to improve safety.

Council members asked about pedestrian crossings, potential signalization and construction timing. FDOT representatives said the project would be let for construction in August 2027 with construction expected in 2027–2028; most access to properties would be preserved during construction and work would be staged to limit peak‑hour impacts. FDOT also said it will schedule a public meeting and coordinate notification at least 25 days in advance.

FDOT emphasized the project’s safety focus and said designs remain in study and will be refined with public input; the department plans additional outreach coordinated with the town.