Signature Bridge, double-decked 836 advance

The massive elevated roadbed of what is evolving into the new I-395 freeway is carving a dramatic course through the heart of downtown Miami.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reports progress on all three corridors of the sprawling I-395/SR 836/I-95 design-build project. Project completion is targeted for late 2029.

This massive undertaking is the product of a partnership between FDOT and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, and contractor, Archer Western – de Moya Group Joint Venture.

The $866 million project includes a spider-like Signature Bridge over Northeast Second Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, an upper deck of traffic built over State Road 836 and the Miami River, and the addition of one lane to the northbound entrance to I-95.

The goal is to add capacity, enhance the flow of traffic and safety, and improve access along I-395, SR 836 and I-95.

In an email to Miami Today this week, Cynthia Turcios, FDOT District Six communications specialist, reports work is steady, with significant progress.

Ms. Turcios said two of the six arches have been completed on the iconic six-arched Signature Bridge, and all 86 precast segments for the tallest 330-foot arch have been installed.

Work is advancing on a fourth arch, while foundations for the remaining two are underway.

In addition to these permanent structures, crews are constructing about 36 temporary auger cast pile foundations and concrete pads to support the falsework for the arches and bridge deck.

All foundations for the new I-395 mainline are finished, and precast roadway segments are being installed between NE First Avenue and NW First Avenue, including over the FEC tracks.

Construction of footers and piers from I-95 to NW First Avenue and work on the new westbound I-395 ramp to southbound I-95 also continue.

Ms. Turcios wrote, “Work is underway on the installation of new drainage pipes and structures at NE 13th Street and Biscayne Boulevard adjacent to the Adrienne Arsht Center.

“The drainage enhancements also include raising the elevation of Biscayne Boulevard from NE 11th Terrace to NE 13th Street by one foot to combat stormwater and seasonal King Tide flooding. This work requires daytime and nighttime closures of Biscayne Boulevard, NE 13th Street, North Bayshore Drive,” she wrote.

Regarding SR 836, Ms. Turcios said around-the-clock work is advancing to build foundations and piers for the new double-deck roadway from NW 12th Avenue to I-95.

Crews are using a 488-foot gantry to install bridge caps and beams between NW 17th Avenue and the Miami River and have added a lifting beam just west of I-95 to accelerate the work of erecting bridge pier caps on the east side of the river.

She said work continues on the second of three large straddle bents that will support parts of the double-deck structure. This work requires nighttime closures of SR 836 from NW 17th Avenue to I-95.

Along I-95, concrete replacement is complete from NW 29th Street to NW 17th Street and is mostly complete between NW Eighth Street and NW 17th Street, with ongoing work to replace traffic railings and guardrails.

Ms. Turcios wrote, “The new signature bridge will not only enhance mobility and connectivity but will also serve as a striking architectural landmark for our community.

“In addition, upgraded drainage systems, new roadways, and modern infrastructure will improve stormwater management and reduce flooding, ensuring the corridor is better equipped to withstand future conditions while supporting the region’s economic growth and urban vitality,” she wrote.

Details: www.I-395miami.com

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