Port of Miami Tunnel Project

According to the Traffic and Demand Study from September 2003, there are approximately 24,000 vehicles per day visiting the port, of which 29% are trucks and buses. This volume is expected to increase to 70,000 vehicles per day by 2033. It is anticipated that all trucks and buses and 60% of the passenger vehicles traveling to and from the Port will be diverted to the tunnel.

How will the tunnel affect the movement of freight through the City of Miami?

Currently, around 4,000 eighteen-wheelers daily make their way in and out of the Port of Miami causing congestion in Miami’s Central Business District and affecting Port access for other vehicles. The tunnel will divert that freight traffic and create a direct connection to the interstate highway system.

Access to the port tunnel will not be limited to trucks transporting cargo to and from the port. A significant amount of traffic along the Port is cruise-related and will be encouraged to use the tunnel instead of the existing bridge.

Yes, the design criteria for the tunnel portion of the project will include a requirement that it accommodate vehicles with a height up to 16 feet 6 inches.

Will vehicular traffic at the Port of Miami be affected during construction?

Maintenance of traffic and construction will be planned and scheduled to ensure that traffic is disrupted as little as possible and that a safe environment for motorists and construction personnel is provided during the project. Notification of local media and ample signage indicating road closures and other construction activities will be used extensively to plan alternate routes in advance whenever necessary

How many lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction at the MacArthur Causeway and Dodge Island?

A Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan is dependent on construction techniques and phasing and some restrictions may apply as to the minimum number of lanes remaining open. The MOT for MacArthur Causeway and Dodge Island will be prepared in accordance with FDOT Design Standards.

With the bored tunnel construction method taking place under the channel bottom, no significant disruptions of Port activities are anticipated. If it is determined that some disruptions are necessary, construction would be scheduled to prevent significant impacts to marine traffic. A detailed plan, created in coordination with the Port of Miami, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Miami, will be developed during the final design phase for the project.

Will the contractor be allowed to work at night on Watson and Dodge Islands?

Construction activities may occur at night and will be required to abide by local noise restrictions at construction locations.

It is anticipated that the construction sequence prepared by the contactor for the Port of Miami Tunnel will be in phases.

Technical team members will have to review the project site further before determining whether any acquisitions will be necessary. Once a determination has been made, that information will become available on the project website.

Are there environmental regulatory agencies that monitor the project’s impact?

Yes. Agencies at the federal, state and local level have reviewed FDOT’s Environmental Assessment and concurred with its findings. During the permitting process of the project these agencies (including will have additional opportunity to review and comment on the proposed plans to determine if the projected impact remains unchanged.

Will flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials be allowed in the tunnel?

No, flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials (as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Transportation, Chapter 1, Subchapter C) will not be allowed in the tunnel.

Because these qualities are important to local residents and visitors alike, FDOT has committed to coordinating the proposed project to be compatible with the visual and aesthetic qualities of Biscayne Bay, Biscayne Boulevard, shoreline parks and Watson Island. Aesthetic enhancements are an integral part of the project, and those considered include but are not limited to tunnel portals, landscaping, lighting and tunnel interior, as well as an Art in Public Places feature. The project’s final design team will coordinate its efforts with the Miami-Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Aesthetic Committee.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 502 (Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways) is the governing document for establishing minimum fire protection and life safety requirements within the Port of Miami Tunnels. Due to the restriction of transporting hazardous cargo within the tunnels, a standpipe system is proposed as the primary fire suppression system. In addition, potable multi-purpose fire extinguishers will be conspicuously located and easily accessible within both tunnels. Other safety features include back up power generation in case of total loss of power due to severe weather conditions, emergency telephones, closed circuit television (CCTV), and tunnel cross passageways to facilitate tunnel evacuations. The Concessionaire will be responsible for

Will decant water from the spoil material be allowed to discharge back to the channel? (added 3/17/06)

The Concessionaire will be responsible for disposal and management of the spoil generated from tunnel construction. If the method and means proposed by the Concessionaire requires discharge back to the channel, the appropriate approvals and permits from the regulatory agencies will be the Concessionaire’s responsibility.

Will the construction be done in phases and if so, what are the “phases”? (updated 3/17/06)

The construction sequencing will be prepared by the Concessionaire team to facilitate construction and minimize impacts. It is anticipated that the phases will include in general: the tunnel drive from Watson Island to Dodge Island, the tunnel drive from Dodge Island to Watson Island, MacArthur Causeway Bridge widening, Watson Island roadway improvements, and Port of Miami Roadway and Bridge improvements.

What is the availability of an electronic copy of the design schematic drawings produced to date? (added 3/17/06)

Schematic design drawings are still under development and may be available at a later time. At the time of RFP issuance much of the current information may be released or made available. Once decided, the information will be placed on the project website in a printable document format or be made available on a CD for a nominal fee from FDOT.

Who is responsible for acquiring environmental clearances and permits for the POM Tunnel construction? (added 3/17/06)

The Concessionaire will be responsible for identifying and securing all necessary regulatory and building permits. FDOT anticipates, in the interest of expediency, to commence the process for securing one or more of the identified permits prior to award of the Concession Agreement. The RFP will provide further details regarding permits and allocation of responsibility with respect to permits. FDOT may also post on the project website additional information regarding permits as it becomes available.

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