This section of the TIP focuses on mobility improvement projects which the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) has programmed over the next five years. MDX is an agency of the state of Florida, created in 1994 pursuant to Chapter 348, Part I, Florida Statutes, for the purposes of and having the power to acquire, hold, construct, improve, maintain, operate, own and lease an expressway system located in Miami-Dade County. The Authority may also fix, alter, change, establish and collect tolls, rates, fees, rentals, and other charges for the services and facilities of such system and is further authorized to issue bonds. MDX is reported as an Independent Special District of the State of Florida and subject to the provisions of Chapter 189, Florida Statutes (Uniform Special District Accountability Act of 1989) and other applicable Florida Statutes.
MDX currently oversees, operates and maintains five tolled expressways constituting approximately 34 centerline-miles and 221 lane-miles of roadway in Miami-Dade County, Dolphin Expressway (SR 836); Airport Expressway (SR 112); Don Shula Expressway (SR 874); Gratigny Parkway (SR 924) and the Snapper Creek Expressway (SR 878) and has jurisdiction over NW 138th Street. MDX’s Mission is to “serve as an innovative transportation agency dedicated to the enhancement of mobility in Miami-Dade County”.
This section provides an overview of the following topics:
- The MDX Five-Year Work Program
- The Work Program Cycle
- Programs and Funding
- Existing System Improvement Projects
- System Expansion Projects
- Facility Improvement Projects
- New Toll Expressway Projects
- Other Projects
The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority’s Five Year Work Program
The Five-Year Work Program identifies and prioritizes projects that MDX anticipates funding during the next five years. Funding for these projects may be total or partial depending of the phase of the project and the availability of funds. As such, changes are made on an annual basis as priorities are re-evaluated, projects are completed, new projects are identified and the financial capabilities of MDX evolve. The Five-Year Work Program is an important tool used by MDX to effectively manage its program of System preservation, expansion and improvements.
The Work Program Cycle
In the summer of 2015 MDX began the new cycle to develop the “Tentative” Work Program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2017 – 2021. In November 2015 MDX participated in a public review meeting with FDOT and FTE and provided information for projects to be included in its tentative work program. In March 2016 MDX posted in the MDX website and held online review session to invite the public to review the projects and provide comments. The final program was presented to the Operations Committee for endorsement and to the MDX Board for approval in accordance with the MDX Budget Policy.
Program and Funding
Program Description
MDX’s Transportation Improvement Program includes expansion of, as well as capacity improvements to, the MDX highway system, planning projects geared towards improving mobility in Miami-Dade County and implementation of Intelligent Transportation and Open Road Toll Collection Systems.
Funding Overview
MDX’s TIP is funded from toll revenues collected in the MDX System. Funding strategies are based on financial analyses performed during the Five-Year Work Program development process, which includes an annual analysis of availability of funds, monthly project schedules, projected cash draw down requirements updated on a quarterly basis, and ultimately, financial feasibility.
Projects included in the MDX FY 2017 – 2021 TIP are highlighted within the following pages. The projects have been organized by the following categories: Existing System Improvements, System Expansion, Facility Improvements, and New Toll Expressway.
Existing System Improvement Projects
The following projects are categorized as Existing System Improvements in the current Five-Year TIP and include widening or reconstruction within an existing roadway segment:
- Project 83608 – SR 826 / SR 836 Interchange Improvement
MDX partnered with FDOT for the right-of-way acquisition, design and construction of the mutually needed SR 826 / SR 836 Interchange Improvement. FDOT let the construction of this project in FY 2010 and completion is expected in FY 2016. MDX has contributed $11 million towards the final design and will be contributing an additional $196.5 million towards the construction. This project is of great significance as this interchange is the most congested in Miami-Dade County. This project is an example of MDX working together with its Transportation Partners in the delivery of significant improvements to mobility in Miami-Dade County.
- Projects 83611 – SR 836/I-95 Interchange Improvements
MDX partnered with FDOT to acquire right-of-way, design and build the SR 836 improvements from NW 17th Avenue to I-95 in conjunction with the I-395 project. Improvements include widening and operational improvements to SR 836 eastbound from NW 17th Avenue to I-95 Interchange, widening of the SR 836 bridges over the Miami River and improvements to the SR 836 westbound mainline and new connector serving southbound I-95 traffic destined westbound on SR 836 and to the Civic Center. Design build is anticipated to start early FY 2017.
- Project 83628 – SR 836 Operational, Capacity and Interchange Improvements
An additional eastbound and westbound lane on SR 836 from west of NW 57th Avenue to NW 17th Avenue as well as improvements to the SR 836/ NW 57th Avenue Interchange, the SR 836 / LeJeune Interchange, the SR 836 / NW 27th Avenue Interchange and the SR 836/ NW 17th Avenue Interchange will provide additional capacity on the mainline and improve operations in and around the existing interchanges resulting in an improved level of service and safety. The design build for this project is ongoing and scheduled to be completed at the end of FY 2018.
- Project 83629 – SR 836 Interchange Modifications at 87th Avenue
The current Five-Year Work Program provides funding for the reconstruction of the SR 836 Mainline and NW 87th Avenue interchange to enhance operations and improve safety on the SR 836 corridor. This project ties into MDX completed Project No. 83614 to the west and MDX Project No. 83608 completed on the east. The final design was completed and construction is scheduled to start in at the end of FY 2016.
- Project 87413 – SR 874/SW 72nd Street Interchange
The project includes a southbound exit ramp to SW 72nd Street and a northbound entrance ramp to SR 874. As part of the project, sidewalks will be constructed in the southeast area of the interchange on SW 72nd Street. The new partial interchange at SR 874 and SW 72nd Street will provide connectivity to the expressway network while maintaining or improving traffic flow along SR 874 and the local roadway network. The ramps will provide access from SW 72nd Street to SR 874 northbound and from SR 874 southbound to SW 72nd Street. The project will result in easier access to SR 874 and the highway system connected to SR 874 as well as reduced congestion at key intersections along SW 72nd Street. The design build phase will begin in FY 2017.
System Expansion Projects
The following projects are categorized as System Expansions in the current Five-Year TIP and include all construction of new roadway segments on new alignments adjacent to the existing system that will increase the total centerline miles of the system:
- Project 83618 – SR 836 Southwest Extension
MDX is evaluating the feasibility of a new 15 mile expressway extension of SR 836 from NW 137th Avenue to the southwest Kendall area. The extension of SR 836 is envisioned as a multimodal facility, used also by express transit buses that would address the existing transportation needs of a vast community of thousands of existing residents living in the south western areas of Miami-Dade County west of the Turnpike. The Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) study is ongoing to determine feasibility and select a preferred alternative. Final design and construction for this project are not yet funded.
- Project 87410 – SR 874 Ramp Connector to SW 128th Street
This project will construct a new 1.2 mile ramp connection from SR 874 to SW 128th Street. A portion of this project is currently being constructed by the Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise under an interagency agreement with MDX as part of a larger project to widen the HEFT and reconstruct the HEFT/SR 874 Interchange. MDX has began the design build phase for the balance of the project which is scheduled for completion in FY 2019.
- Project 92404 -SR 924 Extension West to the Homestead Extension of the Florida’s Turnpike
This project funds the PD&E study and final design for a new expressway extension from SR 924 west to the Homestead Extension of the Florida’s Turnpike (HEFT); acquisition of improvements to the NW 138th Street from Okeechobee Rd. to west of I-75 via agreement with City of Hialeah and right-of-way of the ultimate improvements along 138th Street from 97th Avenue west to Okeechobee Road as a Phase I. Final design will begin at the end of FY 2017.
Facility Improvement Projects
The following projects are categorized as Facility Improvements in the current Five-Year TIP and designate all non-routine maintenance and minor roadway and toll plaza, toll and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) projects throughout the system:
- Project 10017 – SR 836 Toll System Conversion
In early FY 2011 the SR 924, SR 874 and SR 878 corridors were converted to ORT and SR 112 will be ORT as of FY 2015. This project provides for the ORT conversion of most of the SR 836 corridors with last tolling points installed by early FY 2018.
- Project 10018 – Systemwide ORT Hardware/Software Development
This project provides funding for the development of hardware and software enhancements to the account management toll enforcement system to accommodate requirements for ORT. This project is substantially complete with final payment in early FY 2017.
- Project 10021 – Systemwide ITS Improvements
This project provides funding for implementation of ITS improvements identified in the updated MDX ITS Master Plan intended to maximize the existing roadway system through the use of technology.
New Toll Expressways
The following projects are categorized as New Toll Expressways in the Five-Year TIP and include construction of new alignments of designated State Roads that will be added to the system:
- Project 20001 – Connect 4 Xpress
The PD&E study of a potential new expressway connecting SR 836, SR 112, SR 924 and SR 826 is anticipated to begin in FY 2017. The study will include evaluation of system interchanges with SR 112, SR 924 and SR 826 as well as potential service interchanges with NW 54th Street, NW 79th Street and NW 103rd Street with connectors to NW 37th Avenue. The PD&E study is the only phase currently included in the Five-Year Work Program.
Other Projects
- Project 50001 – Dolphin Station Park & Ride (MDT/FDOT Funded)
Miami-Dade County asked MDX to fast track the construction of the Dolphin Station. FDOT will share the construction cost with Miami Dade Transit (MDT). The facility will be operated and maintained by MDT. The Dolphin Station park and ride facility/terminal transit facility will support MDT’s SR 836/Dolphin Expressway Express Bus Service, provide a terminus or stop for several local bus routes serving the Dolphin Mall and the cities of Sweetwater and Doral, as well as serving a potential future east-west commuter rail service.