Driving through traffic in Downtown Miami can be a nightmare for a few drivers. Now, there is something else to deal with – construction on the adjacent interstate.
Susana Castillo, owner of Downtown Miami-based B.O.S. Jewelers, stated that the construction slowdown and lane closures on I-395 are deterring her customers by keeping shoppers away.
“We’ve got less foot traffic and are struggling to pay the rent,” Castillo said. “My drive is never less than an hour, if I’m lucky, sometimes an hour and 30 minutes.”
Castillo stated that after exiting I-395, unrelated construction projects on Flagler Street contribute to the inconvenience.
Without as many customers in her shop, Castillo stated that she adjusted the way she does business.
“Currently, I’m concentrating more online. I have a web site so you can purchase online and (I) make it convenient with shipping,” she replied.
Construction takes toll on Miami-Dade’s three busiest highways
Though construction affects businesses and residents who reside downtown, lane closures, detours and jams are all due to the city’s growing pains, said Oscar Gonzalez, the community outreach representative for the I-395/SR-836/I-95 Design-Build Project.
“We initiate traffic movements, so we’re advancing because we’re creating new ground for construction,” he added.
The project, a joint effort between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, has continuous work where three of Miami-Dade’s busiest traffic arteries converge.
“There are impacts when you embark on any highway reconstruction project, particularly one of this size,” Gonzalez said.
Significant work for a brighter future
A large portion of the project is the building of the new signature bridge on I-395. It will not only change the skyline, but also increase capacity. Also a 1.4 mile section of the interstate, from the Midtown Interchange to the MacArthur Causeway is being rebuilt.
On State Road 836/Dolphin Expressway, workers are constructing a double decker section from NW 17 Avenue to the Midtown Interchange. The double-decked portion will give motorists a straight route to the MacArthur Causeway.
Replacement of concrete on I-95 between NW 8 Street and NW 29 Street is nearing completion, Gonzalez stated.
The project cost stands at $840 million, said the transportation department, and will be completed by 2027.
It can’t come quickly enough for Castillo who stated she hopes consumers will endure the dismal traffic.
“Eventually, people get used to it, but when they wish to go somewhere, they come, but hard to say,” she said.
Motorists can remain informed of the I-395 Design Project effects by registering for alerts through the transportation department.
