Miami's Stunning Signature Bridge Takes Shape: Arches Rise Above I-395!

Miami, FL, USA - Create a bridge that bridges communities, they say, and it looks like Miami is doing just that with its ambitious Signature Bridge project, affectionately known as The Fountain. As of July 10, 2025, the construction is moving ahead at a brisk pace, marking a significant transformation in downtown’s infrastructure. The bridges, with their sweeping arches, are beginning to rise above I-395, offering not just a functional transportation route but an inspiring architectural landmark. Miami’s Signature Bridge boasts six impressive arches, with the largest reaching a towering 325 feet high and stretching 650 feet wide. This grand structure will span 1,025 feet over NE 2nd Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, promising to enhance traffic flow between I-95, I-395, and SR 836 once completed.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is on top of the game, reporting steady progress on the bridge and an anticipated completion date set for late 2027. The project isn’t just about building roads; it’s about connecting neighborhoods. The Signature Bridge is part of a larger initiative that includes The Underdeck, a splendid 55-acre public park aimed at bridging the divides created by highway infrastructure. This park will offer green spaces, pedestrian paths, and areas for public art and events, aligning perfectly with the project’s goal of revitalizing the community.

Engineering Marvel in Progress

The ongoing construction underscores the enormity of the project, with a total cost of $840 million. This significant investment is part of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project, a collaboration between FDOT and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency. The contractor, Archer Western—de Moya Joint Venture, is working around the clock across all three corridors of the project. As part of the ongoing work, crews are tirelessly installing key segments of the arches—two arches are already completed, with others following closely in line. Installation of 65 segments for a fourth arch is set to begin early this month, with all three arches expected to give Miami a new iconic skyline.

Construction isn’t just a matter of pouring concrete; it’s a full-scale operation involving nightly closures on Biscayne Boulevard for safety during arch segment installations. There’s a lot happening each night, from replacing pavement on I-95 to making connections for ramp replacements between SR 836 and I-95. Each step taken now is paving the way for smoother traffic in the future.

Legal Challenges and Community Focus

Every major project comes with its hurdles, and this one is no exception. The Signature Bridge faced legal challenges in the past, notably from former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who alleged that FDOT violated an earlier settlement agreement regarding bidding processes. However, the courts ruled in favor of FDOT in May 2018, allowing the project to continue without further distractions.

Beyond the legalities, the holistic approach to traffic management is noteworthy. The new infrastructure aims to accommodate more than just vehicles; it’s designed with the community in mind. This includes the introduction of wider shoulders, advanced signage, and improved safety features. Enhancements on SR 836 and I-95 are geared towards facilitating over 450,000 vehicle trips daily, aiming to reduce travel times significantly—by as much as 20% during peak hours.

With the Signature Bridge and The Underdeck emerging as symbols of innovation and community cohesion, the groundwork laid now promises not just better traffic flow but an improved urban landscape. Miami is not only aiming to create a new transit link but a landmark that resonates with both residents and visitors alike. In the years to come, as these arches rise, they will not just form a bridge over roadways but a connection to shared futures.

For further details on the construction progress, feel free to check out what Profile Miami, Miami Today News, and Miami’s Home have to say.