Miami, Fla. — As Miami continues to reshape its highways, the latest phase of construction is set to bring significant changes to I-95 South, specifically around SR 836. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced a series of closures that will impact southbound traffic on I-95 starting this Friday night and continuing into next week.
The closures, necessary for a concrete-pouring operation part of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project, will span several city blocks. This major construction effort includes the development of the Signature Bridge and a double-decker section of SR 836. With an estimated cost of $840 million, the project aims for completion by late 2027, though residents are wary due to past delays in county-wide highway projects.
FDOT has detailed the upcoming schedule: the first closure on I-95 South is set from 11 p.m. on Friday, January 5, to 11 a.m. on January 6. Subsequent closures will occur nightly from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., starting Tuesday, January 9, and lasting through Thursday, January 11.
The impact of these closures is expected to extend beyond the highway, potentially causing congestion on side roads in areas like Overtown, Lummus Park, and Riverside, stretching from NW 14th Street to NW 2nd Street.
To navigate these closures, FDOT has recommended a non-tolled detour that will reroute drivers through more than 15 city blocks. This detour involves exiting at SR 836 West, using NW 14th Street, NW 12th Avenue, NW 11th Street, NW 8th Street Road, NW 8th Street, and NW 3rd Court to rejoin I-95 South after NW 2nd Street.
For those preferring a simpler route, a tolled detour is available. Drivers can take the SR 836 West ramp, exit at NW 12th Avenue, and return to I-95 South using the SR 836 East ramp. The toll fees for this route are listed on the Greater Miami Expressway Agency’s schedule.
FDOT has also cautioned that these scheduled closures are subject to change due to factors such as bad weather or other unforeseen conditions. As such, drivers planning to travel through these areas are advised to stay updated on the latest traffic news and prepare for potential delays.
The closures mark a significant step in Miami’s ambitious highway redesign project, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure in the region. Despite the temporary inconvenience, these efforts are part of a broader vision to improve traffic flow and connectivity across Miami-Dade County.