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FDOT studies pedestrian, bicycle connections on William Lehman Causeway; alternatives include barrier-separated path or standalone bridge
Summary
FDOT presented a PD&E study to add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on the 1.7-mile William Lehman (SR 856) Causeway, stressing safety (not capacity), complex environmental and vertical-clearance constraints, and a public-engagement timeline that runs through 2027. Alternatives include a barrier-separated shared-use path or a standalone bridge.
The Florida Department of Transportation presented preliminary findings and the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study for the William Lehman (SR 856) Causeway, laying out alternatives to provide continuous pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the mainland and the barrier-island communities of Sunny Isles Beach and Golden Beach.
Jessica Cruz, FDOT project manager, said the study's purpose is to "accommodate pedestrian, bicycle activity and safety" and that capacity improvements are not part of the analysis. The project limits run roughly 1.7 miles from US-1 (Biscayne Boulevard) to A1A (Collins Avenue). Cruz stressed the study must comply with NEPA and evaluate engineering and environmental tradeoffs before an alternatives workshop and public hearing planned for 2027.
Consultant Roberto Gutierrez described the principal technical constraint: the existing bridge must meet a 65-foot vertical clearance over the Intracoastal Waterway, which limits where a shared-use path can be placed. He said engineers are evaluating at-grade shared paths, widening alternatives and new standalone bridge concepts. "The goal is to provide a barrier-separated shared use path," Gutierrez said, noting alternatives vary widely in cost depending on whether the solution uses the existing structure or requires new foundations.
Commissioners pressed FDOT on the feasibility and budget. One asked whether the elevated tram concept previously proposed by a resident (which would keep bicycles and pedestrians separated from traffic) would align with FDOT's work; FDOT replied the studies currently include standalone bridge options that could provide similar continuous connectivity. Cruz also said FDOT is coordinating with stakeholders including the Brightline pedestrian bridge proposals and local public works to link the causeway facilities to sidewalks and transit access at either end.
FDOT emphasized public outreach: the project advisory group convened in mid-2025 and will help shape the alternatives workshop. Cruz said the PD&E (engineering and environmental analysis) should conclude with a finalized project by the end of 2027, but added that schedule depends on environmental review and right-of-way work.
Next steps: FDOT will refine alternatives, publish materials on the project website and hold public outreach and a formal public hearing as the PD&E progresses. The study does not yet include long-range capacity forecasting to evaluate adding vehicular lanes.
Speakers quoted in this article are FDOT project manager Jessica Cruz and consultant Roberto Gutierrez. The presentation and subsequent Q&A were made publicly at the Sunny Isles Beach commission workshop.
