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Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge over 395

Project Fact Sheet, January 2025

What’s Happening

Next week, the City of Miami Beach and private development partners, TCH 500 Alton LLC, are commencing the long awaited Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge over 395 construction project. The above road walkway (Alton Rd. view perspective depicted herein) is located where MacArthur Causeway meets Fifth Street in Miami Beach.

Construction activities will start Monday morning, Jan. 13, 2025, with the installation of temporary construction fencing along the perimeter of the project work zones. Relocation of several underground utilities on Fifth Street will follow. Excavation for foundations of the pedestrian bridge pedestals on the north and south sides of the causeway is scheduled to occur a few months later. The street will remain open while construction is happening; however, some temporary, periodic lane closures are expected to accomplish critical construction tasks in a safe and efficient manner.

Pedestrian, bicycle and non-motorized scooter access on the 395 bridge will be maintained on the south side (only) in both (east/west) directions. A pedestrian pathway will be maintained throughout the project; the final construction will provide an improved pedestrian, multimodal experience.


Phase 1 Information (see map herein):

  • Approximate duration is eight weeks.
  • The turn lane on the south side (eastbound toward Alton Rd.) will be partially closed. On the north side (toward westbound 395), the southbound lane on West Ave. will be shifted. Northbound and southbound directions will remain open on West Ave.
  • On the north side of the causeway, the No Parking area in front of Bentley Bay (just north of the 6 St. roundabout) will be blocked off and used as part of the project staging area. Residents and visitors to Bentley Bay will have access to their parking and valet area(s). The project team is in close coordination with adjacent condos.
  • Trucks and large heavy equipment will be entering and leaving the work zone daily.
  • Additional single lane closures during non-peak hours may be necessary.


  • Some relocation and temporary removal of landscaping will occur to improve pedestrian access and commence with final bridge construction. A full landscaping plan will be implemented before the end of the project.


Project Overview and Benefits

Colorful, directional, and mesmerizing the Baywalk Pedestrian Bridge is intended to be a new landmark for an already spellbinding city. Composed by master artist Daniel Buren, this new design, titled Walking In, Along and Under the Colors, not only marks the southernmost entrance to Miami Beach, but it also combines a smart piece of practical urban infrastructure with show stopping art and design to nourish the soul. Right at the edge of the MacArthur Causeway and seemingly floating above Fifth Street, the pedestrian bridge acts as the gateway to South Beach. Hopefully, this new bridge will be an integral, cherished connector between neighborhoods, as part of the city’s Baywalk.


  • French conceptual artist Daniel Buren used his signature flair and time-honed expertise to create a 158-foot long enclosed tube that people can walk through. It features a patchwork of vibrant panels that elevate an everyday piece of infrastructure into an experiential artistic journey. 


  • The Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge over 395 is set to strategically become the link that provides the missing piece of the area’s circulation network, providing a safe, accessible art experience to connect the South of Fifth and West Avenue neighborhoods.


  • Allowing pedestrians to cross directly above MacArthur Causeway means the loop that goes down the east side of Miami Beach on the Beachwalk to South Pointe is now complete to connect to the Baywalk on the west side of the city.


  • In order to ensure this bridge is accessible to all, it includes elevators and steps, all precisely set into the landscaping and greenery of the area.


  • Residents will enjoy easy access to everything that Miami Beach has to offer, including highlights that range from fine dining, retail, wellness spaces, the arts and elevated nightlife offerings.


Timeline

Construction begins mid January 2025 and is expected to last approximately a year and a half, with an anticipated completion in summer/fall of 2026. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation while the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge construction is underway. The project team is aware of special events and high impact periods and will work with the city in close coordination to ease impacts traffic impacts at critical times.


Work hours are mostly weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended times are subject to city approval and community notification. Please note, schedules may change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.


Who to Contact

Esther Monzon-Aguirre, Public Information Liaison

Email: EMonzonAguirre@EVServicesInc.com or call/text 305.542.4000


For more information, please visit GOMBInfo.com.

To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (5-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) (voice), select 1 (English) or 2 (Spanish) and leave a message with your request. TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service). You can also make requests online at www.miamibeachfl.gov/ada by selecting ADA request.

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