New design and build plans incorporate enhanced safety measures
After significant coordination with local partners, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced today its plan to design and build a much-needed pedestrian bridge on State Road (SR) 90/SW 8 Street at SW 109 Avenue in Miami-Dade County. FDOT will manage and oversee all aspects of the project and the new plans incorporate additional enhanced safety measures, including the recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
“FDOT has learned valuable lessons since the tragic events surrounding the FIU bridge collapse two years ago. The Department has worked closely with the NTSB and local partners to ensure proactive safety measures are included in the plans for this much-needed bridge,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The Department will ensure all safety measures are in place and are followed so we may provide a safe option for pedestrians in this high-traffic area.”
FDOT safety measures include changes to its interactions with project sponsors and the processes the Department employs relating to major local agency program (LAP) projects. The Department is working closely with local partners, including the City of Sweetwater and Florida International University, to provide pedestrians a safe and accessible crossing to and from the university.
The Modesto A. Maidique Campus of Florida International University (FIU) is located on the south side of SR 90/SW 8 Street just west of SW 107 Avenue. Student housing and residential towers are located on the north side of the road within the City of Sweetwater. In June 2017, an FIU student was struck and killed while crossing the road at SW 109 Avenue, prompting local and state officials to seek ways to address pedestrian safety.
Design will begin in early 2021 and is expected to last two years. FDOT will coordinate with FIU regarding aesthetics for the bridge. Construction of the replacement bridge will take approximately two years.
