LTC 053-2011 FDOT Construction Projects MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 053 - 2 0 1 1, LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: March 2, 2011
SUBJECT: FDOT Construction Projects in Miami B
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC)' is to provide you with an update on the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) Port of Miami Tunnel (POMT) and State Road (SR) 112 /1-195
projects.
Post of Miami Tunnel Project
According to the January/February 2011 POMT Progress Report, the design and construction phases
of.the POMT Project are moving forward as scheduled (Attachment 1). The design plans for the
MacArthur Causeway Bridge widening are at 60% completion. Final plans for the substructure of the
MacArthur Causeway. Bridge widening, as well as signing & pavement markings for MacArthur
Causeway and Tension I & 11 Elements, have been released for construction.
FDOT. has reported that the temporary asphalt overlay on both the eastbound and westbound lanes, as
requested during a Palm- Hibiscus -Star Island homeowner's association meeting, has been completed.
At this time, it is anticipated that the final. restoration of the lanes will occur toward the end of-the -
project's completion date.
On Wednesday, February 16, 2011, the Contractor began the excavation of the main shaft in the
median in preparation for the arrival of the Tunnel Boring Machine in June 2011. Approximately 30,000
cubic yards of clean fill material will be excavated and transported off Watson Island. During this work,
the- Contractor first excavates this material from within the confines of-the shaft, transports it to a
temporary stockpile within the site perimeter to allow the material to drain, and then re -loads the
drained material into trucks for disposal off -site. These operations are being performed in two (2) shifts
from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for a period of
approximately 40 days.
Until .October 2011, one westbound travel lane from the -east end of the MacArthur Causeway Bridge to
the west end will be closed Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:06 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to allow
the workers -to safely access the work zone in the median, and also for bridge widening of the MacArthur
Causeway. This lane closure excludes holidays and special events. Two westbound travel lanes will
remain open at all times. City staff will closely coordinate with FDOT ensure this work does not
conflict with any special events, such as the Winter Music Conference, as well as with any other
construction projects in Miami Beach.
s
On February 8, 2011., the POMT Concessionaire received a letter from the Palm- Hibiscus -Star Islands
Association (Association) which expresses their objection to any daytime interruption of the normal
traffic flow (Attachment 3). A meeting was held on� Monday, February 14, 2011 with FDOT, City staff,
and the Association to discuss the Association's concerns. At this meeting, FDOT advised that the
lane closure provides safety benefits for both the construction vehicles and the motorists on the
MacArthur Causeway, since it allows trucks-to accelerate prior to merging onto the MacArthur
Causeway.
LTC — FDOT Port of Miami Tunnel
March 2, 2011
Page 2 of 3
The Association stated that from their' experience, traffic volumes westbound 6n. the MacArthur
Causeway during the morning hours are at a peak until approximately 11:00 a.m. and requested FDOT
to begin the closure after this peak period FDOT advised that 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. are the same
standard non -peak hour closures that have been approved for all work on the MacArthur Causeway
currently and in the pasta In addition, this closure was used recently in August of last year during the
construction of the new eastbound bus bay and no complaints were received identifying any back -ups
in traffic. FDOT agreed that if it was necessary, it would consider shifting the daytime hours of the
closure slightly later in the morning. Since then, FDOT has been monitoring traffic during this closure
and 'has not observed any delays.
The February 8, 201.1 letter also expresses concern with large trucks making u -turns at -.
the - intersection of Fountain Street and the MacArthur Causeway. FDOT advised that the contractor
recently constructed a westbound acceleration lane for'construction vehicles so this should no longer,
be occurring. In addition,: the contractor installed a wheel wash at the end of the acceleration lane to
avoid anytracking of debris onto the causeway. As another solution, FDOT and the Concessionaire
offered to retain the services of off -duty Miami Beach police to increase enforcement at this
intersection.. Additionally, any drivers of construction vehicles who make this illegal u -turn will be
dismissed from the project.
.Other major upcoming work will occur underneath the MacArthur Causeway to minimize impacts to
traffic on the MacArthur Causeway..
Other informational items, regarding the POMT project discussed at the February 7, 2011
Transportation and Parking Committee meeting include the following:
• The barrier /flood walls are temporary and will be removed at the completion of the POMT
project. Once this projects complete, flood gates on both -ends of the tunnel will be in place to
handle any potential flooding. The project's'e merge ncy management plan is a project submittal
that not only is reviewed by the FDOT, but is also coordinated with the fire Life Safety.
Committee established for the project.
• The design of the entrance gate /portal will be reviewed by the Miami -Dade Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Aesthetic Review Committee. Construction of the
entrance gate /portal will begin in 2013.
• The tunnel boring machine is presently under construction by the manufacturer and is
anticipated to. be delivered to the construction site in June 2011. There are several heavy
pieces that will be transported by cranes into the median across eastbound MacArthur
Causeway. This will occur during nighttime, non-peak hours in 10 minute intervals. The
Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan will be coordinated with the City.
• No hazardous materials will be allowed through the Port of Miami Tunnel, per federal
"regulations.
FDOT also presented the POMT project at the February 22; 2011 MPO Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory
Committee (BPAC) meeting. At this meeting, FDOT discussed improvements to the bicycle /pedestrian
detour currently in placefor the eastbound sidewalk and shoulder closure. Detour signs are expected
to be' installed in approximately two to three weeks. FDOT also informed the BPAC members of a
recent change order for the'widening of the roadway to in a bike lane eastbound on the MacArthur
Causeway within the project limits. FDOT will only provide a shoulder westbound, since the MacArthur
Causeway converts to 1 -395, a limited access road, and bike lanes are not permitted on these types of
roadways.
LTC — FDOT Port of Miami Tunnel
March 2, 2011
Page 3 of 3
SR 112 /1-195 Roadway Project
The southbound 1 -95 exit ramp from westbound 1 -195 will be closed on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from
10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday, March 4, 2011 from 10:0 p.m. to 11:00 a.m., and Saturday, March 5,
2011 from 11 :45 p.m., to 8:00 a.m. During this closure, FDOT will be installing concrete pavement.
Motorists will be detoured north on 1 -95, exit at'NW 62 " Street, and then west in order to continue
south on I -95. Additional detour signs will be installed at the on -ramp from Alton Road south /north to
WB .SR 112 advising motorists of closures on the I -95 SB ramp.
Through -May 2012, the contractor will be widening the roadway, which will result in the intermittent
partial - closure of eastbound and westbound traffic between SR 9A/1 -95 /NW 10 Avenue and Biscayne •
Bay as follows:
Single lane closures
• 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Sunday through Thursday
• 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. — Monday through Thursday
12 a.m. to 9 a.m. — Friday
• 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Saturday
• 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. - Sunday
Dual lane closures (contractor may reduce traffic to one lane only)
• 12 a.m. to 5 :30 a.m. — Monday through Thursday
2 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.'— Friday and Saturday
2 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. — Sunday
City staff will be coordinating the MOT plans for all construction projects that impact Miami Beach with
both FDOT and Miami -Dade County (County). Monthly coordination - meetings with FDOT and the
County have been occurring, and the next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 25,, 2011. City staff .
will be closely coordinating all construction activities with FDOT, the County, and their contractors and
will keep you informed on all aspects.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Attachment:
1. January /February 2011 POMT Progress Report
Im- Hibiscus -Star Island Letter
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NOTICE TO PROCEED #1- OCT 15, 2009 CONCESSION AGREEMENT: 35 YEARS
DESIGN
NOTICE TO PROCEED #2 - MAY 24, 2010 DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 55 MONTHS
CONSTRUCTION DURATION:
PROJECTED CONSTRUCTION MAY 15, 2014 CONCESSIONAIRE: MAT CONCESSIONAIRE, LLC
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
CONSTRUCTION COST: $607,000,000 DESIGN /BUILD BOUYGUES CIVIL WORKS
CONTRACTOR: FLORIDA BCWF
MILESTONE PAYMENTS $100,000,000 OPERATOR/ MAINTENANCE TRANSFIELD / VMS
DURING CONSTRUCTION:, CONTRACTOR:
MILESTONE PAYMENT AT $350,000,000 FDOT OWNER'S PB AMERICAS
FINAL ACCEPTANCE: REPRESENTATIVE & CEI:
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CURRENT MAJOR ACTIVITIES:
Design;
Watson Island
Final plans for the Substructure of MacArthur Causeway Bridge widening, Signing & Pavement Markings
for MacArthur Causeway and Tension I & II Elements have been released .for construction, as well as the
revisions for the Drilled Shaft and MacArthur Causeway. Roadway Plans previously released for
construction. The Tunnel Lining Final plans, ITS (60 %). plans and Foundation Certifications are currently
under review by the Department. Review and comment resolution meetings are on- going. A revised
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Master Signage Plan for the overall project was submitted to the Department and the Department has
provided comments to the Concessionaire. The comment resolution meeting is scheduled for February
Dodge Island
The Dodge Island (60 %) Plans, as well as the Final Railroad Plans have, been. received by the Department
and are under.. review. The soil and utility investigation work was completed on Dodge Island.
Construction; `
Watson Island
Contractor completed the work on the east Concrete Soil Mix (CSM) wall access road'. The Contractor has
begun the excavation of the tunnel pit, as well as the soil improvement of the tunnel breaking plug
located on Watson Island. Construction of Type II tension elements and tie -backs has been completed.
Micro- tunneling operations for sewer line relocation across MacArthur Causeway is on- going.
Contractor has also begun to work on the utilities for the site installation of the tunnel support operations
(water treatment plant, the concrete batch plant, cooling system and power system) which will all be
located under the MacArthur Causeway Bridge.
Dodge Island
Contractor began the FEC rail removal work and is approximately 80% complete. In addition, contractor
has completed the relocation of the AB Loop Communications Duct Bank and is working on the clearing
and grubbing of the construction site on Dodge Island.
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is currently being assembled and will begin testing and commissioning
in March 2011. The TBM machine is expected to arrive to the project in. early June 2011. Contractor
continues to work on the temporary electrical service point that will supply power to the TBM on Watson
Island. In addition, construction of the precast plant for the tunnel segment construction is on- going, the
foundation is complete and the steel building erection has begun.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH / RECRUITMENT EFFORTS:
The Concessionaire continues a vigorous outreach and recruitment effort. As of January 31 the .project
peaked at 172 employees, which includes 95 office staff and 77 craft workers.
Project team has also met with various stakeholders as part of the on -going community outreach effort to
provide an overview of the upcoming work phases on Watson Island. The Concessionaire hosted several-
educational presentations at Miami -Dade County. Engineering Academy schools to provide an overview of
the project and the tunneling process as part of the project's educational effort for Engineering Week.
UPCOMING MAJOR ACTIVITIES:
The Contractor will continue to work on the TBM launching pit on Watson Island and the water and
sewer work as well. In addition,_ the Contractor will begin the relocation of major utilities on Dodge
Island.
PROJECTED COMMUNITY OUTREACH / RECRUITMENT EFFORTS:
The Contractor will' continue to meet with stakeholders to update them on upcoming phases of work. In
addition, the Contractor will continue working on various educational outreach programs which will be
completed during Engineering Week at the end of February. The Contractor continues to review resumes,
and is performing interviews for•.positions needed for the upcoming construction phases.
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Attachment 2
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February 8, 2011
Christopher Hodgkins
Vice President
Miami Access Tunnel
MAT Concessionaire LLC
3750 NW 57 Avenue, Suite 225
Miami, FL 33178
RE: 'Objection to the Daytime Lane Closures on the MacArthur Causeway Traffic
Dear Mr. Hodgkins,
On behalf of the Board of Directors and residents of the Palm- Hibiscus -Star Islands Association,
I am writing to you to voice our collective strong objection to the Daytime Lane Closures on the
MacArthur Causeway. We received the Press Release notification outlining the plan to close the
left -side lane on, the Westbound MacArthur Causeway from the East end of the MacArthur
Causeway Bridge to the West side of the Bridge for 8 months, between the hours of 9 AM and
3:30 PM on weekdays.
This is not acceptable to us after having numerous meetings at which we were told there would
not be any daytime interruption of the normal traffic flow. This plan- to no doubt be followed
by the same interruption of the eastbound traffic at some time in the future. The daytime lane'
closures adversely impact our residents as they travel to and fr om work, school, shopping, travel
and other activities of normal .life. The MacArthur Causeway is the link from our relatively
peaceful Island community to the rest of the South Florida community. We feel this will also
adversely impact the economy of our area due to the traffic interruption.. The plan is totally
unacceptable to us.
We have already had to deal with, the current interruptions, the large trucks that come onto Palm
Tsland to turn around and those that make a U -turn at the Fountain Street /MacArthur intersection.
Many of those are so large that they cannot make the turn and either have to go up on the
sidewalk or back up in traffic at that location," which totally blocks traffic.. Enough is enough!
We want you to review your current plan and alter the lane closure to the nighttime hours so
there is little disruption of our normal life. Your revised plan needs to eliminate the hardship
proposed for our residents, and other Miami Beach residents and visitors to our area who rely on
the - MacArthur Causeway for their daily lives.. Secondly, I would request that you and the
appropriate staff come to a "Town Hall" meeting that we will hold ASAP to hear from our
residents.
152 Palm Avenue • Miami Beach,'FL 33139
Page 2
Letter to Christopher Hodgkins
Miami Access Tunnel
February 8, 2011
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We ask that you respond to our. concerns as soon as possible. As you know, we have tried to
cooperate with you and the other agencies involved in the Miami Tunnel Project. We have
provided you with several opportunities to address our Board of Directors and attend our
Homeowners Meetings to hear our concerns. The current plan for daytime closures was not
included in your previous plans and we find it a hardship that we cannot accept.
Please get back to me by Friday of this week by return mail or contact our Executive Director,
Tim Rose, by phone at 305- 299 -2617, by e -mail at` tim.roseLiz phsislands.org or by mail at 152
Palm Avenue, "Miami Beach, FL 33139. We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Harts C.1Vlueller
President
Cc: City of Miami Beach City Commission
County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro
PHS Islands Board of Directors