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 TPO 2022 Annual Report

The Miami-Dade TPO’s 2022 Annual Report details the accomplishments achieved by the Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board and staff. 2022 saw various advances of the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program, including the plan’s transition to the programming and implementation phase, and the continuation of the highly successful SMART Demonstration Program. TPO’s SMART STEP Program was nationally recognized for multiple community-scale bicycle and pedestrian projects implemented in an accelerated manner. TPO also continued leading the State of Florida with the application of new and emerging technologies in our transportation network. These are just a few achievements provided in this annual report.

View the 2022 Annual Report as a Flipbook and/or download the PDF.

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

Urban Air Mobility Study: Interim Progress Report – State of the Industry

This document serves as an Interim Progress Report as part of an overall effort being led by the Miami-Dade TPO to study Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and its integration and applicability into the region’s transportation network. The final report is anticipated to be released in June 2023. UAM is anticipated to revolutionize the transportation of people and goods within urban and suburban environments. To stay ahead of the rapidly evolving mobility landscape, the Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board passed resolution # TPO 16-2022 on May 5, 2022 authorizing the assessment of UAM technology and policy framework requirements for the eventual integration of UAM into the County’s transportation network. Having formerly kicked off on August 1, 2022, the study’s expected duration is ten months.

Read the report here

Miami Beach Transportation Master Plan Update: First/Last Mile Connections to the SMART Plan Study

The City of Miami Beach completed the First/Last Mile Connections to the SMART Plan Study through the Miami-Dade SMART Moves Program. The study assessed the accessibility of proposed SMART stations within Miami Beach for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Providing better access to and from transit for multiple transportation modes, rather than focusing on one specific mode, will ultimately lead to improved connections to the future Beach Corridor and Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT) services. The success of regional transit services, outlined in the SMART Plan, is key to the City of Miami Beach’s broader goals, particularly reducing the driving mode share for travel to, from, and within the City.  The study recommendations include projects ranging from specific street infrastructure improvements intended to enhance access to citywide policy changes which can facilitate SMART station accessibility.  Also, the strategies listed in this study are intended to integrate directly into the Miami Beach Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update, which will include a comprehensive assessment of transportation needs throughout Miami Beach.

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

Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility (GGMTF) Bike & Pedestrian Eastside Connectivity/Refinement of Recommended Bike & Pedestrian Bridge Concept Study

The Refinement of Recommended Bike and Pedestrian Bridge Concept is the component of the GGMTF Bike & Pedestrian Connectivity Study Final Report which focused on refining the modifications needed to leave the envelope for future construction of the recommended alternative of the Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility (GGMTF) Bike and Pedestrian Eastside Connectivity Study. The GGMTF Bike & Pedestrian Connectivity Study aims to develop a significant link of the proposed non-motorized vision by determining a safe, convenient, and enticing bicycle and pedestrian connection between the GGMTF, the future Golden Glades Truck Travel Center (GGTTC), and surrounding neighborhoods east of I-95/SR 9A. The study’s recommended alternative of connection is at the Orange Lot adjacent to US-441/SR 7/NW 7th Avenue and south of the main driveway into the GGMTF. This location provides direct access to the shared-use path constructed within the GGMTF that connects SR 9 to US-441/SR 7/NW 7th Avenue. At the GGTTC, the best connection point is straight across US-441/SR 7/NW7th Avenue, creating a direct path between the GGTTC driveway and the GGMTF shared-use path. East of SR 9A/I-95, the best connection point was determined to be the intersection of NW 159th Street and NW 6th Avenue. As a result of this effort, in working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), an envelope has been secured to allow future construction of the recommended bicycle and pedestrian bridge and path.

• Read the Executive Summary here
• Read the Final Report here
• Read the GGI East Connectivity Refinement of Recommendation here

US-1 Multimodal & Roadway Analysis: Dadeland South Metrorail Station to SW 344th Street/Palm Drive

Safe Routes to Schools 2022 Infrastructure Analysis

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally-funded program aimed at making walking and biking to and from schools safe, practical, and enjoyable. The Miami-Dade SRTS Infrastructure Plans Program is managed by the Miami-Dade TPO through partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Six, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), and the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). Resulting from the middle school and high school prioritization rankings, four schools were selected for analysis and SRTS infrastructure recommendations: Homestead Middle School, Miami Jackson Senior High School, North Miami Beach Senior High School, and Ruben Darion Middle School. Using the collected data, field observations, and community and Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) input, recommendations for infrastructure improvements were developed for each of the four schools.

• Read the Final Report here

Village of Palmetto Bay Multi-Use Trail and SMART Plan Connectivity Study

The Village of Palmetto Bay completed their Multi-Use Trail & SMART Plan Connectivity Study through the Miami-Dade TPO’s SMART Moves Program. This feasibility study for multimodal improvements aimed to enhance mobility, safety, and accessibility to the South Dade TransitWay between Old Cutler Road and US 1/South Dixie Highway, supporting the SMART Plan. This study included a review, analysis, and evaluation of four primary east/west corridors within the Village of Palmetto Bay: SW 144th, 152nd, 168th and 184th Streets. Through evaluation and public and stakeholder outreach efforts, SW 152nd Street and SW 184th Street were selected as the two corridors in most need of multimodal improvements. Through a review of existing planning documents, data collection and analysis, and public feedback, three alternatives for both corridors were identified. One alternative per selected corridor was recommended for implementation by the Village Council.

• Read the Feasibiity Report here

Northwest TPA Origin-Destination Study

Miami-Dade County’s northwest Transportation Planning Area (TPA) plays a vital economic role for the entire Southeast Florida region. This area accommodates a significant amount of industrial land use due to its prime location, zoning, and efficient connections with PortMiami, Miami International Airport (MIA), and the region as a whole. The Miami-Dade TPO conducted a study which examines the current and projected travel patterns within the northwest TPA, providing insight into the effects of the projected growth and identified infrastructure improvements. In particular, the effect of the extension of NW 107th Avenue from NW 106th Street to NW 122nd Street in regards to local travel patterns is analyzed and documented. In addition, and building upon this analysis, potential projects have been identified that can improve the mobility within the TPA. Three types of potential mobility improvements were identified including: a transit project, the identification of multiple areas where mobility could be improved using micro-mobility, bicycle and pedestrian modes, and two roadway projects.

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

Emerging Tunnel Technologies Feasibility Study

This study evaluated emerging tunnel technology and recommended transit tunnel corridors for the advancement of mobility options in Miami-Dade County. The tunnels are proposed for use by electric multi-passenger transit vehicles to accommodate a range of up to 60 passengers. Among all methods, tunnel construction by excavation by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is the preferred tunneling method for its ability to cause the least amount of (if any) surface disruption. This study used a three-tiered analysis using the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), previous studies, and other corridors to develop a base network for tier 1. Twenty-five corridors were recommended based on cost, land-use, mobility, and technical criteria during the tier 2 analysis. Ultimately, six LRTP priority corridors and two Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) corridors were recommended for further study under the tier 3 analysis next steps.

• Read the Executive Summary
• Read the Final Report

Town of Cutler Bay Master Plan Update

The Town of Cutler Bay completed their Town’s Master Plan Update through the Miami-Dade TPO’s SMART Moves Program. This study updates the previous Master Plan conducted in 2014 as it provides a clear understanding of the regional origins and destinations of people moving to, from, and through the Town on their daily journeys. It also details how these movements and volumes impact not only local roads, the transit system, and the bicycle and pedestrian network, but those in the surrounding area. Additionally, this analysis assesses the system’s ability to be resilient today and in the future. The study examined the root causes of congestion, inadequate roadway capacity, lack of modal options, existing and future travel patterns, emerging development and growth patterns, and a lack of diverse land uses and the ability of the system to rebound from major disaster events and withstand the gradual rising of seas.  As a result, a project bank of multi-modal transportation and a variety of policy solutions were developed.

• Read the Final Report

Systemwide Level of Service (LOS) Analysis

The Systemwide LOS Analysis has been developed to evaluate the performance, observed trends, and capacity of the existing transportation system network in Miami-Dade County. This study updates the existing conditions for State and County roadways, transit, and nonmotorized facilities, and focuses on the County’s facilities to determine if they meet the current travel demands. The assessment of multimodal system needs and recommendations will support the development of program priorities and will be used to update future transportations plans, such as the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Transit Development Plan (TDP). 

• Read the Executive Summary
• Read the Final Report

Miami-Dade TPO COVID-19 Travel Behavior Trend Analysis

The Miami-Dade TPO undertook a COVID-19 Travel Behavior Trend Analysis to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behavior in Miami-Dade County. The objective of the study is to identify any changes in travel behavior trends from the onset of the pandemic, through to 2021, that may inform the long-range transportation planning process. This was done by comparing pre-pandemic transportation related data sets to data collected during various phases of the pandemic and post lock down. Trend analysis for traffic volumes, transit usage, airport/cruise port passengers and other transportation data were completed using 2019 (pre-pandemic), 2020, and available 2021 data. This analysis is intended to serve as a baseline, as conclusions about impacts on future travel are difficult to discern using current data, because the pandemic is still ongoing. 

• Download the Miami-Dade TPO COVID-19 Travel Behavior Trend Analysis Final Report
• Download the Miami-Dade TPO COVID-19 Travel Behavior Trend Analysis Appendices

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.

SMART Plan East-West Corridor Land Use Scenario and Visioning Planning Study

The SMART Plan, adopted by the Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board in 2016, includes the advancement of six rapid transit corridors with a network of Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT) service. This report summarizes the results of the Land Use Scenario and Visioning Planning Study for the SMART Plan East-West Corridor. The planning study developed land use scenarios that will be supportive of the future rapid transit plans along the corridor. Working in coordination with the general public, a Study Advisory Committee (SAC), transportation agency partners, and elected officials, a preferred land use scenario was developed including station typologies that will be conducive to Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) within the station areas.

• Download the SMART Plan East-West Corridor Land Use Scenario and Visioning Planning Final Report, December 2021

SMART Plan East-West Corridor Economic Mobility & Accessibility Study

This report addresses the economic mobility and accessibility needs along the SMART Plan East-West Corridor. Stretching approximately 16-miles from the Tamiami Terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) along SR 836, the East-West Corridor will create an important transit link through central Miami-Dade County. The corridor will provide to residents and visitors the opportunity to better access jobs, major transportation hubs, and higher education centers.

• Download the SMART Plan East-West Corridor Economic Mobility & Accessibility Final Report, December 2021

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