The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 6 has initiated this Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to identify transportation improvements for the Tamiami Canal Bridge on NW South River Drive/Delaware Parkway in order to meet existing and future pedestrian, vehicular, navigational and hydraulic conveyance needs.

The project area is located on NW South River Drive between NW 19th Street and NW 32nd Avenue. Built in 1921, this existing movable swing bridge crosses over the Tamiami Canal (C-4) on NW South River Drive and is one of the oldest bridges on the Miami River System. The bridge’s age and unique engineering make it eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Any proposed improvement would require documentation to show that there is no prudent or feasible alternative.

The bridge has deteriorated over the years and has suffered structural damage due to vehicular and vessel impacts. Structural deficiencies have resulted in weight restrictions of 30 tons, traffic and pedestrian safety concerns, and capacity concerns. The current bridge configuration has resulted in channel constriction and negative impacts to storm water management efforts.

EAC is responsible for the roadway design, structures, corridor analysis, drainage, and PD&E study. To date, we have completed the data collection, the alternative corridor analysis and the roadway/bridge alternatives analysis portion of this study, along with the corresponding Public Involvement efforts including public meetings, meetings with public officials and agencies, alternatives public workshop and newsletter.

The project received the 2013 FICE/FDOT Outstanding Project Award.