Title
A Resolution of the Waterway Advisory Board recommending the City Commission strongly advocate for a higher clearance from Miami-Dade's Underline Project's updated bridge clearance of 11.1 feet to maintain safe and accessible waterway navigation; and to direct staff to conduct an independent survey to verify clearances, both under the proposed bridge and under US-1, before any final approvals are granted.
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At the March 5, 2025 Waterway Advisory Board (WAB) meeting, Miami-Dade County staff discussed and answered questions regarding the updated bridge clearance being proposed related to the Underline Project.
The WAB has had several discussions with County and Underline officials in an effort to increase the clearance on the proposed pedestrian bridge, as the WAB believes greater clearance is essential for maintaining safe and accessible waterway navigation.
The latest proposed bridge clearance is set at 11.1 feet above mean high tide, however the WAB emphasizes that this clearance must not be based on an assumption that the clearance under US-1 at mean high tide is 7.5 feet without verified data. Observations from tide markers at US-1 indicate that the actual clearance is approximately 5.5 feet at high tide and even less during King Tide events. The WAB feels, the County is relying on data using median numbers dating back 19 years, may no longer be accurate.
While the WAB continues to advocate for higher clearance, the County and The Underline have stated that 11.1 feet is the maximum height they can safely construct. The WAB does not have the budget or authority to independently verify whether this information is accurate or whether it truly represents the best possible solution.
Additionally, we urge the City Commission to evaluate all alternative bridge designs that may allow for increased height clearance while maintaining safety and structural integrity, including the use of elevators and the existing 7-foot sidewalk on Ponce de Leo...
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