NW 17 Avenue Bridge closure extended for emergency repair

Safety is always the top priority for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) and as such, the department has determined it is necessary to extend the closure of the NW 17th Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Miami River for necessary, critical repairs.

Miami-Dade bridge maintenance staff recently identified deficiencies in the concrete counterweight – which allows the bridge to open and close safely to marine traffic.  Therefore, in an abundance of caution, the bridge will remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic while work is being performed. It should be noted that the steel grid bridge deck (roadway) is not anticipated to require any repairs at this time.

Design work will be completed within the next 45 days in order to facilitate construction immediately thereafter. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2022, upon the conclusion of hurricane season. The earliest anticipated project completion date is summer 2023.

The improvements being made to the bridge are essential for operability and safety. The work includes structural design, supporting of the existing counterweight, bracing of the main bridge supports, removal of the existing concrete counterweight and the forming and pouring of a new concrete and steel counterweight.

Commuters are encouraged to use NW 12 Avenue and NW 22 Avenue as alternate northbound/southbound routes and allow extra time when traveling through the area.

For more information, please see project information here. 

Please note that this schedule may change due to inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstance.