Winning the 2023 ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) Outstanding Project Award, this project provided a Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) study to examine the potential replacement or rehabilitation of the twelve existing bridges (10 low-level fixed spans and two movable bascules) along the Venetian Causeway from North Bayshore Drive to Purdy Avenue. The Venetian Causeway bridges were originally built in 1926 and have been designated as historic landmarks by the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach; they are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The causeway bridges are mainly short span reinforced concrete arch beam bridges. Each bridge section consists of two 12ft travel lanes with 4ft bike lanes and 4ft sidewalks on each side. Project requirements included the inspection of the bridges, engineering reports, environmental documents, a Section 4(f) document, and preliminary plans. Improvements included the possible replacement or rehabilitation of the functionally obsolete structures based on the latest criteria and standards. Extensive public involvement efforts were done as part of this study. The PD&E study looked at alternatives that would satisfy the public, protect the environment, be sensitive to the historic designation, and that would result in bridges that are safe, maintainable and serve the needs of the public.
