TRANSPORTATION

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in coordination with the National Park Service (NPS) started construction of the remaining 6.7 miles of the Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2 Project the week of April 26, 2021. This project will allow for an additional 75 to 80 billion gallons of water a year to flow south into the Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.

In June 2019, Governor DeSantis announced that full funding had been secured to elevate the Tamiami Trail. The project is estimated to cost $53 million. The design phase started in October 2020 and is expected to be completed in spring 2026, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

Completed in 1928, Tamiami Trail is a crucial corridor between Southwest Florida and Miami but has long been recognized as a barrier to the flow of water into Everglades National Park. The Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2 Project will enhance the connectivity and sheetflow between the marshes north and south of the Tamiami Trail while maintaining a vital transportation link. The project will allow additional water to move south from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical for the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. 

WORK TO BE PERFORMED
The project includes building six new bridges, seven improved culverts and elevating sections of Tamiami Trail roadway from east of the ValuJet 592 Memorial structure S-333 (MP 13.85) to 1.5 miles west of Krome Avenue/east of structure S-334 (MP 24.42).

PROJECT SCHEDULE
The Department selected the design-build team during fall 2020. Construction began the week of April 26, 2021. The Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2 Project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION
Travel lanes shall be closed only during nonpeak hours on nonevent days. Nonpeak hours are:

• 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

PROJECT UPDATE VIDEO (NOVEMBER 2022)

PROJECT PRESENTATION AS PART OF APRIL 13, 2021 TASTE OF TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOP