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New River Crossing Update for Broward Commuter Rail
Tunnel vs Bridge
There was important and promising information shared at the 12/19/23 City Commission meetings by the City's hired consulting firm, BDO. The BDO Tunnel Draft Concept by tunneling and underground construction experts brought in draft tunnel construction costs at reduced costs to previous estimates due to the following:
- Revised tunnel design that is shorter in length and shallower
- Minimal impact on Freight and Brightline
- Station construction using Sequential Excavation Method instead of Cut and Cover
- No private property takings by eminent domain
- Minimal impacts on Utilities and Traffic
The total cost was estimated at $880 million to $1.065 billion as opposed to previous estimates for a tunnel of $2-$2.6 billion.
These are draft figures but BDO was unanimously hired by the City Commission to complete their work by February 2024 and asked to share their findings with Broward County. Furthermore, BDO was asked to add the bridge related economic impact of eminent domain acquisition costs to their scope of work. Testimony and analysis by developers in attendance has brought focus to fact that previous bridge cost estimates may not have fully evaluated the exorbitant costs of the taking of property abutting the rail line that is already in pre-development.
Overall, the BDO report and involvement is a game-changer in the City's pursuit of a Tunnel for the New River Crossing and is very good news for Downtown. As you are aware, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association Board has taking a position strongly in favor of a tunnel.
Please reach out to our County Commissioners and ask them to look at the important draft work product prepared by BDO and ask that they work with the City to find a way to approve a Tunnel for the New River Crossing. The County are the ultimate decision makers on whether there will be a tunnel or a 40-56 foot bridge in Downtown Fort Lauderdale for 80-100 additional trains.
Broward County Commission contacts:
Downtown Fort Lauderdale Representative: Commissioner Lamar Fisher (District 4):
lfisher@broward.org
Downtown Fort Lauderdale Representative: Commissioner Robert McKinzie (District 8):
rmckinzie@broward.org
Mayor Nan Rich (District 1): nrich@broward.org
Vice Mayor Beam Furr (District 6): bfurr@broward.org
Commissioner Mark Bogen (District 2): mbogen@broward.org
Commissioner Michael Udine (District 3): mudine@broward.org
Commissioner Steve Geller (District 5): sgeller@broward.org
Commissioner Tim Ryan (District 7): tryan@broward.org
Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers (District 9): hrogers@broward.org
RESOLUTION
Please note that at the 12.19.23 Regular Commission evening meeting the following resolution was passed by a vote of 3-2 by the City Commission with Commissioners Sturman (District 4), Beasley- Pittman (District 3) and Herbst (District 1) in favor of the Resolution. Mayor Trantalis and Commissioner Glassman voted against the resolution. This resolution rescinds the previous City Commission resolution 22-20 which urged the Florida Dept of Transportation to recommend the construction of a Tunnel as the Locally Preferred Alternative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The City of Fort Lauderdale Commission continues to affirm a tunnel as the locally preferred alternative for commuter rail crossing New River. However, recognizing that Broward County will be the lead agency for obtaining funding and operation of this portion of the rail project, if after collaboration with the Broward County it is determined that a tunnel is not a feasible option then we will support the Broward County in advancing a mid-level bascule drawbridge as an alternative.
The full resolution that passed is HERE
The 12.4.23 Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association Position Letter Sent to Elected Officials is HERE
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