Motorists in Miami should brace for another bout of traffic disruptions as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gears up to restart the Rickenbacker Causeway rehabilitation project, set to commence early next week. FDOT has planned a phased approach to the Flyover Bridge rehabilitation, which will see the first leg kicking off on July 8, focusing on the southbound lane to US-1. A tentative completion date of July 20 has been announced for this initial phase.
According to information obtained by NBC Miami, drivers traveling west from the island will need to take a detour via Southwest 26th Road and then south on Brickell Avenue to connect to US-1 during phase one. With the second phase scheduled to begin promptly the night of July 21, closing the bridge to northbound I-95 traffic until August 3, the detour for this period will lead drivers onto Southwest 26th Road, continuing west to join the northbound I-95 ramp.
Following the severe traffic delays experienced during the project's initial attempt in April, which left drivers gridlocked for hours, FDOT officials have approached this second attempt with caution and a seemingly improved strategy. "We cannot guarantee there won’t be impacts. But we have looked at every situation from every angle and plan for every contingency," District 6 Construction Engineer Mario Cabrera told NBC Miami. Further mitigating potential traffic woes, FDOT disclosed there would be "boots on the ground at the traffic management center" to adjust signals in real-time.
Additional counsel for drivers is available via FDOT's social media channels, where officials pledge current information on detours and any schedule changes. For those seeking up-to-the-minute updates, MiamiDadePD's X alert warns of expected heavy traffic and delays, stressing the importance of adhering to posted signage and detours throughout the duration of the Rickenbacker Causeway Flyover bridge closures. Motorists must note that these schedules may be subject to further amendments, contingent on weather conditions or other unforeseen difficulties.
🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT: As part of the necessary ongoing rehabilitation work, contractors for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will close the westbound ramp of State Road (SR) 913/Rickenbacker Causeway Flyover Bridge starting Monday, July 8 through Saturday, August 3.… pic.twitter.com/hDdyP14hiq
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) July 1, 2024
