[chris08876]

Study: Tunnel Would Cost $1.3B More Than Signature Bridge

FDOT evaluated a proposal to put a portion of I-395 and Biscayne Boulevard underground, instead of building a Signature Bridge. The results:

The tunnels would cost $1.3 billion more than the Signature Bridge
Both Biscayne Boulevard and I-395 would have to be locked down during Hurricane events due to flooding concerns, closing vital evacuation routes
Metromover would need to be reconstructed, with associated cost and service disruption
Biscayne Boulevard and other nearby streets would need to be closed during construction
Pedestrian crosswalks would be eliminated in some areas near the tunnel. Nearby streets would also need to be elevated, inhibiting access
Likelihood of contaminated soil during excavation. Area was previously occupied by the Belcher Oil Terminal & Tank Farm
Construction would be delayed an extra five years for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
FDOT’s Gus Pego will present the study, along with an update on the Signature Bridge, to Miami commissioners next week.

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NXT