Florida Construction News staff writer
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved up to $389.5 million for Miami-Dade County’s Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project. However, before the project is eligible for a Full Funding Grant Agreement, the county must submit a revised financial plan and secure approval from Congress.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for their continued support of this critical project,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This investment in the Northeast Corridor will reduce traffic congestion, provide more transportation options, and improve access to jobs, education, and opportunities for residents, particularly in underserved areas. It’s a game-changer for our community as we build the future of transit in Miami-Dade.”
DTPW is working with FDOT, Brightline, FECR, and Broward County to finalize the engineering design and move forward with procurement and pre-construction activities.
The project is a key part of Miami-Dade’s Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program designed to improve regional mobility by creating safer, more efficient rapid transit solutions across five essential transit corridors.
“This funding commitment from the FTA is a huge step toward making Miami-Dade a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive community,” said Oliver G. Gilbert III, chairman of the board of County Commissioners. “This project will create better connections to jobs, education, and other vital resources for residents, especially those in communities that need it most.”
The project will create a 13.5-mile commuter rail segment along the existing rail corridor shared with Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway (FECR). It will connect neighborhoods like Wynwood, the Design District, Little Haiti, North Miami, and the FIU North Campus. Additionally, it will link the Miami Central and West Aventura stations, while enhancing the existing rail yard and vehicle maintenance facilities in Hialeah, owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The estimated total cost of construction is $927.3 million, with the FTA’s $389.5 million contribution covering 42 percent. FDOT has committed an additional $200 million, and the remaining funds will come from the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP), ensuring full financial support for the project.
“We are thrilled to see this project take another significant step forward,” said Eulois Cleckley, director and CEO of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). “The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project will transform transportation options for residents and businesses in Northeast Miami-Dade. We’re grateful to the FTA and FDOT for their continued partnership in making this project a reality.”
The Northeast Corridor project is the first segment of the larger 85-mile Coastal Link commuter rail line, which will eventually connect Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties. With federal, state, and local support, the project is poised to deliver long-term benefits, including revitalized communities, improved mobility, and expanded economic opportunities.
