Miami officials to expedite $45M roadway project after construction delays

The City of Miami Commission passed a resolution Thursday that allows the City Attorney to take all necessary actions to expedite the construction delays relating to West Flagler Street and Southwest First Street.

One of those actions includes suing the Florida Department of Transportation and its contractors, if necessary, over the Little Havana streets delayed makeover, the Miami Herald reports.

“Florida Department of Transportation has been unresponsive,” District 4 Commissioner Manolo Reyes, says.

The $45 million construction project was suppose to revitalize the three miles of roadway resulting in an upgraded water and filter system, sidewalks, lights, signals, and a new bicycle lane. Instead, for over two years residents are met with constant road closures and debris.

The City of Miami Commission says FDOT plans on extending the project to Southwest Eighth Street. The department has 21 project links as of 2018.

Reyes sponsored the resolution.

According to the City of Miami Commission, small business owners near West Flagler Street and Southwest First Street faced losses due to delays.

The plan is viewed as an obstacle to business owners who admit to the Miami Herald that it contributes to floods.

The Miami Herald reports that business owners have seen a 50 percent dip in profit during the road closures.

• Flagler Street construction is taking so long that Miami says it may sue the state [Miami Herald]
• Little Havana’s ‘war zone’ has lasted two-and-a-half years. Is there an end in sight? [Miami Herald]
• Current Projects - South Miami-Dade [Florida Department of Transportation]