Downtown Miami’s ‘Signature Bridge’ project is underway — what drivers need to know

MIAMI – The arches are rising in downtown Miami as the Interstate 395 “Signature Bridge” project is officially underway.

The project spans three of Miami-Dade County’s busiest thoroughfares: State Road 836, Interstate 95, and I-395, converging at an interchange accommodating over 450,000 vehicle trips daily.

As the project progresses, various phases will necessitate different closures. The latest entails constructing a support structure spanning all lanes of eastbound 836, just west of I-95.

Road closures will reroute traffic beginning this Friday at 11 p.m. until Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and resuming Saturday at 10 p.m. until Sunday at 8 a.m.

Drivers traveling eastbound on 836 will be diverted south onto 17th Avenue, then directed to Southwest First Street to continue eastward, following detour signs.

These weekend closures are expected to persist for approximately three months to facilitate safe construction operations.

Last month, Local 10 News got a behind-the-scenes look at the “transformational” project, which also includes a greenspace element called “The Underdeck.”

Oscar Gonzalez, a community outreach specialist, says the project marks a significant advancement for the community, benefiting both drivers and South Florida residents.

“This project is a major improvement that we’re making for our community, our drivers (and) our residents,” he said.

It represents a significant endeavor, completely revamping I-395 and adding a second level to State Road 836, thereby improving mobility across the region.

Individuals can sign up for lane closure alerts and receive notifications directly to their inbox by clicking here.

The project costs $840 million and is set to be completed in 2027.