$7.2M in projects to upgrade biking, walking safety on US1

Bikers and pedestrians who use the S. Dixie Highway (US1) corridor have more improvements on the way following construction of a bridge over the westbound entrance to the Snapper Creek Expressway (SR 878) earlier this year.

Florida Department of Transportation began one project near Palmetto Bay on July 16 at a cost of $3.7 million with a second near Pinecrest due to begin on Aug. 13.

The twin developments ultimately will cost $7.2 million, largely to provide pedestrian safety and improve access for bicyclists along US1.

Both projects are intended to dovetail with completion of the $4.5 million bicycle and pedestrian bridge erected on the west side of US1 at SR 878. That project connects pedestrians and bikers with the Metrorail M-Path route for a distance of approximately 20 miles to downtown Miami from the intersection of SW 67th Avenue.

FDOTS spokesperson Heather Leslie said the improvements are “part of the effort to enhance use of bicycles” and connect the M-Path bike route with the Greenway bike trails, a long desired objective of biking enthusiasts in southwest Miami-Dade.

On July 16, FDOT was scheduled to begin $3.7 million in reconstructing US1 from SW 136th Street to SW 168th Street to include new safety modifications to the C-100 Canal bridge, a wider outside lane for bicycles and installation of seven new pedestrian traffic signals. The project is due to be completed by April 2013.

On Aug. 13, FDOT is scheduled to begin similar work on US1 between SW 136th and SW 102nd streets, a $3.4 million contract that also will install a new pedestrian signal at SW 120th Street. Project work due for completion in 2013 also will include widening left turn lanes at several intersections, leveling driveways to match the road grade and tree removal.

Lane closures that can affect late night motorists on US1 in both areas will take place from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday until work is completed in 2013.

Both projects will see sidewalks sections rebuilt; curbs, gutters and pedestrian ramps replaced; new pedestrian signals installed at key intersections; guard rails replaced; new underground drainage sections installed; repaving, re-striping and updating signage.

All work is scheduled in stages to alleviate traffic congestion and property entrances will remain open through the length of both projects, according to the FDOT announcement.

For detailed information, contact Steve McClure, PE, at 305-662-0226 or visit the FDOT website at <www.fdotmiamidade.com> with special traffic advisories available by dialing 5-1-1.


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