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Miami‑Dade presents plan to replace Venetian Causeway bridges 2–12 with historic look and modern safety upgrades
Summary
Miami‑Dade project managers told the Miami Beach board they plan to replace bridges 2–12 of the Venetian Causeway, raise vertical clearances for resilience, widen sidewalks and bike lanes, and replicate historic railings and lighting while meeting AASHTO crash standards; the board voiced support and the staff recommendation was approved.
Miami‑Dade County presented preliminary designs March 17 for replacement of bridges 2 through 12 on the Venetian Causeway, proposing widened sidewalks and bike lanes, raised bridge profiles for sea‑level resilience, and railing and lighting treatments intended to replicate historic appearance while meeting modern crash and safety standards.
Gabriel Delgado, project manager for Miami‑Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, said the bridges are structurally deficient—many scored 50 or lower on structural ratings—and that replacement will reduce recurring emergency repairs and closures. The proposed typical section would increase sidewalks to 9 feet, expand bike lanes to 5 feet and reduce vehicle travel lane widths where appropriate to provide buffers and improve cyclist safety; the presenters said travel lanes would be reduced from 12 feet to 10 feet in certain low‑speed segments with added separation.
Delgado explained a phased construction and maintenance‑of‑traffic plan intended to keep two‑way traffic moving, including temporary bridge structures and single‑lane alternating traffic with automatic flaggers during fixed‑bridge work. Presenters said the project team is coordinating with FDOT standards and a federal grant requirement (including Buy America compliance) and anticipates design completion in summer pending permitting, with a potential construction start in 2027 and an estimated 60‑month construction duration.
Board members pressed for clarity on traffic maintenance, curb/approach tie‑ins, and the treatment of historic elements. The design team said railings, light fixtures and decorative elements will be replicated in look while meeting AASHTO crash requirements and modern materials and construction standards.
The board moved and approved staff’s recommendation to support the project; the record shows the motion passed 5–0.
Next steps: continuing design and permitting coordination with FDOT and federal funders; public meetings are planned, with an upcoming hybrid meeting (March 18) noted in the presentation.
