NW 17th Avenue Bascule Bridge

The NW 17th Avenue Bascule Bridge was constructed in 1929 and is the only remaining bridge over the Miami River built as part of the Harbor Bond Issue of 1926. In fact, this bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Running along NW 17th Ave., the movable bridge provides an important connection on this corridor between the health district anchored by Jackson Memorial Hospital to several business and residential areas as well as loanDeport Park, Home of the Miami Marlins, on the south side of the Miami River. The NW 17th Ave Bascule Bridge also provides an essential service to the marine industry with dozens of cargo vessels traversing the Miami River daily.

The age and deteriorated condition of the bridge have resulted in numerous repairs in recent years and extended bridge closures. For these reasons, DTPW is working with other agencies and stakeholders to evaluate bridge improvement alternatives, such as replacing or rehabilitating the bridge.

More information can be found on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Efficient Transportation Decision Making website. To access it, please enter project number 14534.

For questions regarding the NW 17th Avenue Bascule Bridge project, please email [email protected].

Bridge Characteristics

The bridge structure includes three 40.5-ft arched concrete beam spans on the south approach, two 40.5-ft arched concrete beam spans on the north approach, and an 189-ft double-leaf bascule span crossing the Miami River.

Project Development and Environment Study

The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study involves the potential improvements to the NW 17th Avenue Bascule Bridge over Miami River and the 0.5-mile segment of NW 17th Avenue extending north from NW 7th Street to NW 14th Street in the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County. Also included is the entrance ramp to westbound SR 836/Dolphin Expressway from NW 17th Avenue, and NW North River Drive from NW 17th Avenue to NW 13th Terrace.

The study will evaluate alternatives, such as replacement or rehabilitation, to improve traffic on the corridor, address the bridge’s operational reliability and identified functional deficiencies, and enhance public safety. Additional project objectives are to improve mobility on NW 17th Avenue for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit.

The Miami River’s navigational channel will be evaluated for increases to the horizontal and vertical channel clearances to improve safety and reduce bridge openings.

The project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024 and will be completed within 4years. Depending on the results of the study, the project will then move to the final design phase and construction phase.

Public Involvement

As part of the process for the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, DTPW is engaging with the community and stakeholders.

On Nov. 12, 2024, DTPW hosted a public meeting to discuss a potential bridge replacement or rehabilitation plan. This presentation was shared with the community at the meeting.