New ribbons of concrete and steel continue to worm through Miami as the grandiose Signature Bridge rises as part of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project, work that is now projected to continue for at least four years and end in late 2029.
Until now, the projected completion was in 2027.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says steady progress is being achieved on all three corridors of the sweeping project, but it has updated cost estimates as well as the projected completion date. Costs now have risen from a projected $818 million to $866 million.
This massive undertaking is the product of a partnership between FDOT and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency.
The project includes the 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, said work continues around the clock.
She wrote, “The comprehensive reconstruction of I-395 is ongoing along the entire corridor, including the construction of the iconic six-arched Signature Bridge and the new, higher-capacity mainline.”
Ms. Turcios said two of the six soaring arches have been completed and the team has just finished installing all 86 precast arch segments for the tallest arch, which will reach 330 feet into the air.
Precast arch segment installation continues for a fourth arch, and work is progressing on the foundations for the remaining two arches.
“On I-95, all concrete replacement work has been completed from NW 29th Street to NW 17th Street, with over 90% finished between NW Eighth Street and NW 17th Street. Additional work along I-95 includes replacing traffic railing and guardrails,” she wrote.
Ms. Turcios further said that construction continues day and night on SR 836 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, especially designed for this project, to install bridge caps and beams between NW 17th Avenue and the Miami River.
Along with the permanent structures being built, a large amount of temporary work also continues.
About 36 temporary auger cast pile foundations and many concrete pads are being made for the support structures for the arches and the Signature Bridge concrete deck.
She wrote, “All the auger cast piles for the new I-395 mainline in the Overtown and Omni areas, from I-95 to NE Second Avenue, have been finished. Currently, precast roadway segments are being installed from east of North Miami Avenue to NW First Avenue.
“Additionally, significant progress has been made on building the footers and piers that will support the new mainline from I-95 to NW First Avenue. Work also continues on the new westbound I-395 ramp to southbound I-95, where crews recently completed a concrete pour for a section of the ramp.”
Details: www.I-395miami.com
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