Enhancing SRTS Along the South Dade Trail Feasibility Study

The feasibility study examined the need for improved bicycle and pedestrian access to public schools in South Miami-Dade along the South Dade Trail and assessed the current Safe Routes to School  (SRTS) program’s capacity to meet these needs. The SRTS program is a funded program aimed at making walking and biking to and from school safe, practical, and enjoyable. The South Dade Trail, spanning from Dadeland to Florida City, connects numerous municipalities which represent some of the fastest growing communities in Miami-Dade County.  The study identified key opportunities for improvement and proposed enhancements along the trail in three phases: Short-Term (3-5 years), Mid-Term (5-7 years), and Long-Term (10+ years).

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

Miami-Dade TPO 2023 Annual Report

The Miami-Dade TPO’s 2023 Annual Report details the accomplishments achieved by the Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board and staff. Among the many milestones summarized in the report, the most significant accomplishment was the TPO Governing Board’s adoption of the largest Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in agency history, funded at over $12 Billion in transportation investments over the next five years. Over $6 Billion is programmed in highway/expressway/state roads and arterials, while over $5 Billion is programmed for intermodal, transit, seaport, and aviation. The remaining TIP categories include bicycle, pedestrian, trails, and local roads. Read the report now to see all TPO achievements in 2023.

View the 2023 Annual Report as a Flipbook and/or download the PDF.

2023 Federal Certification Process

Every four years Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) conduct a review of the Miami-Dade TPO’s transportation planning process, as required by law. The Federal Team conducted a site visit with TPO staff on April 13, 2023 that included a comprehensive, interactive discussion explaining the multitude of work products completed and best practices achieved over the last four years. The Federal Team and TPO staff communicated with one another what the required regulations were and how each one was successfully accomplished, respectively. A Public Meeting was also held on April 13 that allowed the general public to speak directly with the Federal Team about Miami-Dade TPO’s transportation planning process. 

As a result of this effort, a joint letter from FHWA and FTA was received stating, “…the review determined the existence of a “3-C” metropolitan transportation planning process that satisfies the provisions of 23 U.S.C. 134, 49 U.S.C. 5303/5305, and associated Federal requirements. The Federal Review Team identified five (5) noteworthy practices, no corrective actions, and offers three (3) recommendations to improve the current planning process.…This certification will remain in effect until August 2027.” 

View the Federal Certification letter here

First Last-Mile (FLM) Connectivity Services to Feed into the South Dade TransitWay Study

This study evaluates the feasibility of implementing new FLM connectivity services to improve accessibility to the South Dade TransitWay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations and facilitate the use of the BRT system, which stretches from the Dadeland South Metrorail Station to SW 344th Street in Florida City. FLM connections are one part of complete BRT trips that leverage high speeds and frequencies to transport riders most of the way with short connections necessary at the beginning and end to complete the total trip. BRT can be thought of as the “trunk” of the trip and FLM as the “branches.” Unlike other modes, transit involves significant capital and operating costs borne directly by the public sector. Offering a quality of transit service comparable to (or better than) other mode choices will help attract strong ridership and make sure the most is made of these investments.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

CSX Southwest Railroad Corridor Assessment Study

The CSX Southwest Railroad Corridor Assessment study was initiated by the Miami-Dade TPO to explore the possibility of establishing passenger rail service in the region. The primary study corridor runs southwestward from the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), near the Miami International Airport (MIA), to the City of Homestead. Based on the insights gained from previous studies, TPO developed three alternatives to evaluate for joint passenger and freight rail service that could aid Miami-Dade County with resiliency, congestion, goods movement and offer additional mobility options for residents and visitors. The study recommends the CSX Southwest Railroad Corridor be amended into the Miami-Dade 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), as a Priority IV unfunded project, for potential future use as a shared freight/passenger rail corridor

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

TPO SMART STEP Tri-Rail Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Study

The Miami-Dade TPO SMART STEP Tri-Rail Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Study is a comprehensive study that focuses on enhancing safety and increasing accessibility and connectivity to non-motorized modes of transportation for all Tri-Rail commuter train station areas within Miami-Dade County. The study involved stakeholders such as the Cities of Miami, Hialeah, Opa-Locka, and Miami Gardens, as well as Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six, Miami-Dade County Aviation Department (MDAD)/Miami International Airport (MIA), and South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA).

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

Urban Air Mobility: Policy Framework and Strategic Roadmap

Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and the broader concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), is a rapidly evolving industry that will revolutionize the transportation of people and goods within urban and suburban environments. To stay ahead of the ever-changing air transportation landscape, the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) conducted an evaluation of existing and emerging UAM technology and an assessed the policy framework requirements for the integration of this technology into the County’s existing transportation network. This study supports the ongoing efforts of the Miami-Dade County UAM Working Group, a collaborative effort involving state, county, and local officials as well as representatives from various private industry and infrastructure firms.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

NW 215th Street Mobility Hub Study

The proposed Unity Station is the northern termini station for the SMART Plan North Corridor located at the intersection of NW 215th Street & NW 27th Ave / Unity Blvd. To support the accessibility to the proposed station and the development potential at the station area, the Miami-Dade TPO conducted the NW 215th Street Mobility Hub Study. The study area for this project encompassed a 3-mile radius from the proposed Unity Station. The goals of the study included gathering data on existing accessibility conditions in the study area through observation and stakeholder input, analyzed opportunities for enhanced accessibility and connectivity, identified and ranked proposed improvements, and provided final recommendations and funding opportunities. The study considered a variety of transportation enhancements to the multimodal network, which were organized as intersection improvements, complete streets, greenways/trails and bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The study evaluated fifteen (15) projects that were later prioritized to seven (7) projects, based on network connectivity, safety enhancement, and local support.

NW 215th Street Mobility Hub Study Final Report, July 2023

Climate Resiliency Study

As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and increase the number of natural disasters, Miami- Dade TPO is taking a proactive approach to prepare transportation infrastructure projects during the planning and programming process. Climate resilience refers to the ability of the transportation system to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to any disruptions related to the climate or extreme weather. The objective of the Climate Resiliency Study is to evaluate potential risks within the transportation system to understand future needs within the 2050 Long Range Transportation Planning (LRTP) process. This study also reviewed ways to support the usage of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and their associated infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions. The study used the Sea Level Scenario Sketch Planning Tool (SLS Sketch Planning Tool) created by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the University of Florida (UF) and the National Risk Index (NRI) tool created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete this analysis.

Climate Resiliency Study Final Report, June 2023

Climate Resiliency Study Technical Memorandum, June 2023

Miami-Dade TPO Successfully Hosts Industry Forum Breakfast

On July 17, 2023, Miami-Dade TPO hosted the 2023 Industry Forum Breakfast, emceed by Jawan Strader, NBC 6 News Anchor, which brought together local and state officials, as well as federal transportation partners and industry representatives. The Forum was highly successful with 250 attendees who participated in mid-summer conversations regarding future transportation and investment needs for the continued growth and economic vitality of the Southeast Florida region.

• View the Program Booklet here
• Learn more here

Connected Autonomous Vehicle Strategic Plan

Connected and automated vehicles (CAV) are emerging technologies that can reshape the transportation system and urban landscape of Miami-Dade County. They will likely improve safety, increase network efficiency, and reduce congestion but also pose potential risks and challenges.  The Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Miami-Dade County are planning for and investing in building a more multimodal transportation system. The TPO is addressing the incorporation of CAV technologies into its short-, mid-, and long-term planning processes by developing this CAV Strategic Plan. The study process involved partner agencies via a Study Advisory Group (SAG) and the public via a Vision Workshop. The SAG included staff from the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), educational institutions, private sector industry members, and other local agencies. This study uses connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) as an all-encompassing term for technologies related to vehicle communication and automation. Other related technologies, such as vehicle electrification, e-commerce, delivery vehicles, and telework, are also emerging or are in the preliminary stages of development and may significantly impact the transportation system. CAV safety and mobility applications overcome the physical limitations and distraction errors of humans behind the wheel and have the potential to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by accidents on our roads and highways.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here

US-1 Multimodal/Roadway Intersection Analysis Between SW 27th Avenue and SW 72nd Street

The objective of this TPO study was to conduct a traffic analysis to assess vehicular and pedestrian crossing access along and across US 1 from SW 72nd Street to SW 27th Avenue and provide recommendations to maximize the capacity of this corridor via multimodal and/or roadway improvements. The study focused on the following six areas that were identified to be transportation deficient/congestion hot spots for the corridor based on previous studies, available data, and guidance from the Project Working Group:

• Focus Area 1: SW 57th Avenue/SW 72nd Street
• Focus Area 2: S Alhambra Circle
• Focus Area 3: Granada Boulevard
• Focus Area 4: SW 42nd Avenue (Le Jeune Road)/Blue Road/Grand Avenue
• Focus Area 5: SW 37th Avenue/SW 40th Street
• Focus Area 6: SW 27th Avenue 

Based on the analysis, three focus areas were selected to further develop transportation solutions for those locations: Focus Areas 1, 3, and 4.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here
• Read the Appendices here

Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Freight Impact Analysis

This Miami-Dade TPO Study compares pre- and post-COVID-19 freight travel patterns and freight industry data throughout Miami-Dade County. The pandemic significantly impacted the transportation sector, including employment, logistics, and supply chains. Additional freight transportation impacts included disruptions to global international air cargo, congested seaports, travel restrictions, and limited transportation and manufacturing employee availability. Long-term implications of these impacts remain uncertain as the nation and the world emerges from the pandemic and supply and demand normalize. The data in this Study is being utilized to develop insights and recommendations for the Miami-Dade TPO in the development of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

Read the Final Report here

View the Fact Sheet here

Miami-Dade County Transportation Resilience Brochure

The Miami-Dade County Transportation Resilience Brochure was developed collaboratively between the Miami-Dade TPO and Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER). Resilience is being better prepared for an increasing occurrence of shocks, such as hurricanes and infrastructure failures, as well as better mitigating stresses, such as sea level rise, crippling traffic, and severe economic inequities. Miami-Dade County and the TPO are committed to ensuring the long-term resilience of the region’s transportation system through collaborative planning across departments and the community that integrates social welfare, economic viability, climate preparedness, innovative technologies, and environmental considerations. In this brochure, the Resilient305 Strategy objectives recognize mobility options that are vital to the health and success of both Miami-Dade County’s environment and the economy. The SMART Plan is also identified as a program of rapid transit projects that aims to significantly improve transportation mobility, provide a world-class transit system that will support economic growth, and increase competitiveness in the global arena.

• View the 2022 Transportation Resilience Brochure as a Flipbook and/or downloadable PDF.

Nondiscrimination: Title VI, ADA and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

The Miami-Dade TPO has set a policy that assures that no person shall on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, family, or religious status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination or retaliation under any program or activity. The following information supports the TPO’s Title VI/DBE Program:

• Title VI Policy Assurance Statement
• Title VI/Nondiscrimination Complaint Procedures
• Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP)
• DBE Assurance Statement