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Ludlam Trail moves into design procurement; county holds $135 million in budget book for implementation
Summary
Miami‑Dade Parks reported Feb. 26 that the Ludlam Trail project is in the design procurement phase, with the county expecting to complete consultant procurement by January 2026 and noting FDOT funds for bridge work plus a $135 million line in the county budget for trail design and construction.
Miami‑Dade Parks on Feb. 26 updated the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust on the Ludlam Trail, a multi‑mile linear park and trail planned through Miami‑Dade neighborhoods.
Current stage and procurement: Alejandro Cissold, chief of parks planning, said the project has completed planning, advanced land acquisition and PD&E work and is in the procurement process for a design consultant for the recreational portion of the trail. Cissold told trustees he anticipates having a design consultant under contract by January 2026 and estimated design and permitting work will extend into 2028.
Bridges and partnerships: Parks identified four bridges associated with the project—three over FDOT rights‑of‑way (Fraggler, H Street and Bird Road) for which FDOT funding and coordination are involved. The County’s Coral Way node bridge will be delivered in partnership with the private developer responsible for that node.
Funding: Cissold said the county has $12 million of FDOT funding for certain bridge work and that the county budget book lists $135 million for design and construction of the Ludlam Trail. Parks staff also cited a county financing district intended to support operations and maintenance of the corridor.
Public engagement: Parks staff emphasized continued public involvement: the trail has had multiple public engagements since 2015; staff said additional workshops and meetings will be scheduled once a design consultant is onboard to refine design elements and community amenities.
Timeline summary: Parks said it expects procurement of a design consultant to conclude by Jan. 2026, permitting and final design through 2028, procurement of construction contractors by late 2028 and phased construction completion after that point.
Ending: Trustees had no substantive objections and asked about connections to the Miami River Greenway north of the trail; Parks staff said options for northward connections remain under study.
