79 Street Revitalization: Enhancing Miami-Dade’s John F. Kennedy Causeway

Addressing Critical Infrastructure on 79 Street

The core objective of this PD&E study is to evaluate and implement bridge replacement alternatives for four existing bridges along 79 Street. These bridges, forming two pairs, have been identified as structurally deficient, necessitating comprehensive upgrades to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the causeway. This proactive approach by FDOT highlights their commitment to maintaining robust infrastructure along key routes like 79 Street.

Comprehensive Enhancements Beyond Bridge Work

Beyond the essential bridge replacements, the 79 Street project is designed to incorporate a range of improvements aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for all users. These include the addition of new or improved paved shoulders, dedicated bicycle lanes, and sidewalks. Recognizing that 79 Street serves as a vital link between mainland Miami and key neighborhoods such as North Bay Island, Harbor Island, and Treasure Island, these enhancements will significantly improve connectivity and active transportation options in the area.

79 Street: A Key Evacuation Route

The strategic importance of 79 Street extends beyond daily commuting. It is a designated emergency evacuation route, playing a critical role in the network managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Miami-Dade County. During emergency situations, 79 Street facilitates crucial traffic flow between the densely populated coastal areas and the mainland, making its reliability and capacity paramount for public safety. The current project aims to reinforce this vital function of 79 Street.

Project Timeline and Public Engagement

The PD&E Study for the 79 Street project commenced in August 2022 and is on track for completion in the summer of 2024. Following the study’s conclusion, the design phase will begin. Throughout the study, FDOT has emphasized public engagement, holding several meetings to ensure community input is considered.

Public Meetings and Key Dates

FDOT has conducted multiple public meetings to keep stakeholders informed and involved:

• Public Hearing (May 13, 2024): A public hearing was held both online and in-person at North Bay Village City Hall. Project documents were available for public review at North Bay Village City Hall and FDOT District Six offices until May 23, 2024.

• Project Advisory Team (PAT) Meeting (May 6, 2024): A PAT meeting was conducted via GoToWebinar, with presentations available online.

• Alternatives Public Meeting (October 2 & 5, 2023): Held virtually and in-person, these meetings presented bridge replacement alternatives and gathered community feedback.

• Project Advisory Team (PAT) Meeting (May 20, 2023): An online PAT meeting provided project updates.

• Public Kick-Off Meeting (November 29, 2022): This meeting, held online and in-person, introduced the project scope and schedule to the public.

All presentations and documents from these meetings are accessible under the “Documents and Publications” tab on the project webpage, ensuring transparency and continued public access to project information.

Collaborative Environmental Review

FDOT is conducting the environmental review and consultations for this project under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Highway Administration, ensuring compliance with federal environmental laws. This collaborative approach underscores FDOT’s commitment to responsible project development and environmental stewardship along 79 Street and throughout Miami-Dade County.

Project At-A-Glance

This revitalization of 79 Street is a crucial investment in Miami-Dade County’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for residents and visitors for years to come. The project’s focus on bridge integrity, multi-modal transportation options, and emergency preparedness demonstrates a comprehensive approach to enhancing this vital corridor.