Miami-Dade County and Village of Palmetto Bay break ground on Snowden Pedestrian Bridge

On Monday, November 17, Miami-Dade County, in partnership with the Village of Palmetto Bay, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Snowden Pedestrian Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving mobility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists along the Old Cutler Trail in South Dade. The event was attended by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Village of Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer, and Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Director and CEO Stacy L. Miller, P.E.

“Old Cutler Trail is one of our county’s most cherished community paths, along a historic and beautiful roadway, used every day by families, students, commuters, runners, and cyclists,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This new, wider pedestrian bridge will ease congestion, improve safety, and create a more comfortable, accessible experience for everyone who relies on this trail, whether they’re walking, biking, pushing a stroller, or heading to work or school.”

Located just north of SW 174 Street over the C-100 Canal, the Snowden Pedestrian Bridge is a key part of the broader initiative to enhance pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure throughout South Dade. The existing bridge, which has long been a fixture on the Old Cutler Trail, has a very narrow pedestrian walkway that can no longer adequately accommodate the volume of traffic it receives, as the community has grown. The new, wider prefabricated bridge will be 12 feet wide, allowing for two-way pedestrian and cyclist traffic, which is essential for improving both safety and mobility.

“Snowden’s Bridge is more than a crossing point; it’s a landmark that has shaped memories, friendships, and the identity of our village,” said Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham. “Like other residents, I spent many happy afternoons there as a child. And thanks to the unwavering support and partnership of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, this new pedestrian walkway will allow future generations to enjoy this area and create their own memories. Her focus on safer streets and stronger community connections drove this project forward, and this new walkway reflects our collective effort to create a safer, more navigable village while honoring the charm and history that make this place home.”

In addition to the new bridge, the project will include several key improvements to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all trail users. These include enhanced lighting along the trail and bridge, improved signage and pavement markings, updated drainage systems to manage stormwater runoff, and landscaping to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal. These changes are part of a larger vision to improve overall connectivity and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, while also encouraging active lifestyles among residents.

DTPW Director and CEO Stacy L. Miller highlighted the importance of the project in enhancing safety and mobility. “The Snowden Pedestrian Bridge project represents our continued commitment to investing in infrastructure that enhances quality of life, supports public safety, and ensures greater mobility for our residents,” said Director Miller. “This new bridge will allow us to improve ease congestion, making two-way travel more accessible for both walkers and cyclists. The project also includes improved lighting, signage, and drainage, all contributing to a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone who uses the Old Cutler Trail.”

The Snowden Pedestrian Bridge is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, supporting thousands of walkers, runners, and cyclists along one of the most beloved recreational paths in Miami-Dade County. The bridge will also serve as a model for future pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure projects in the County.

Event photos are available upon request by contacting [email protected]