Construction on I-95, I-395 and SR 836 is causing detours. How long will it last?

Road closures and detours on three major Miami highways — Interstate 95, Interstate 395 and State Road 836 — will be a reality for drivers for at least three more years as construction for the “Connecting Miami” project continues.

The collaboration between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, which involves lane expansions and new architecture surrounding the intersection of the three highways, isn’t expected to be completed until at least late 2027.

The $840 million project is intended to expand the existing routes to ease traffic flow, namely with a double-decker State Road 836, and to add a new illuminated six-arch bridge above Biscayne Boulevard that will extend 330 feet into the air and become a part of Miami’s skyline.

What’s taking so long?

Announced back in 2017, the project broke ground in early 2019 and was originally supposed to take five years, which would have had construction wrapping up this year. According to Oscar Gonzalez, an FDOT spokesman, supply chain issues, weather impacts and other factors are to blame for the delay.

What progress has been made so far?

The standout features include a double-decker State Road 836, better known as the Dolphin Expressway, and six grand arches over Biscayne Boulevard.

In mid-June, the first arch, which lies over Northeast Second Avenue and south of Northeast 13th Street near the Adrienne Arsht Center, was completed. Work on the remaining five arches continues, namely the installation of arch segments on three of the arches and foundation work on the remaining two.

With regards to the double-decker plans for the 836, foundations, columns and other bridge support structures are still in the works, with concrete pours recently completed. The existing frame and crane structure over the construction is scheduled to be moved eastward as the bridge beams over Northwest 17th Avenue are finally installed.

“Work continues day and night on all three corridors within the project limits,” Gonzalez told the Herald.

The construction has resulted in road closures, some of which are expected to last for an extended period of time. For instance, there’s a new traffic pattern on the westbound MacArthur Causeway, just west of Watson Island, and on the ramp to Biscayne Boulevard. Demolition of the existing Interstate 395 is “ongoing,” with certain daytime closures in effect for safe removal of the current steel supports. Gonzalez said the removal of those structures is necessary for the construction of the new interstate, which “will increase capacity and safety.”

Other ongoing construction includes a new westbound Interstate 395 ramp to southbound Interstate 95 and concrete replacement work on Interstate 95.

What will the project look like when complete?

In addition to the changes to the roads, ramps and bridges involved with the project, construction plans include aesthetic additions like the illuminated arches. The underdeck of the signature bridge will also create green spaces, dog parks, room for public art and more. A pedestrian trail is planned from Third Avenue to Biscayne Boulevard.

Gonzalez told the Herald that the underpass features will be one of the last aspects to be constructed.

The Connecting Miami website contains an interactive map with information on detours, lane closures and new traffic patterns related to the project. Interested parties can sign up for project alerts on the same page.

While the current anticipated end date for Connecting Miami is late 2027, that date is of course subject to change.

This story was originally published August 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM.