LTC 129-2004 Replacement of 63rd Street Flyover and Rehabilitation of 63rd Street Bascule Bridge
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 1111-'2V{)1
m
From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~
City Manager \ t'^'- ()
C RD
REPLACEMENT OF 63 STREET FL YOVER AND REHABIUT ATION OF
63RD STREET BASCULE BRIDGE
Date: May 25, 2004
To:
Subject:
For your information and reference, I am forwarding a letter dated May 24, 2004, from the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to Mr. Barry Klein, President, of the North
Beach Development Corporation (NBDC) responding to the 12 questions made in regard to
subject project.
Mr. Klein had requested in his letter that the information provided by FDOT be obtained
prior to the May 26, 2004, Commission meeting.
Please f fr;!O contact me if you have any other concerns or questions.
JM M\~B\II
n 0
-; .&:'"
-< - ::0
.-"
C-") ;;;.. m
r -<
f'T1 N (')
::0 en m
;::J;.
Cf> :t:>oo <
:x
0 m
.." co
.,., CJ
" N
r>1
~~
= ".~
Florida Department of Transportation
JEB BUSH
GOVERNOR
JOSE ABREU
SH"RETARY
May 24, 2004
..
Barry Klein, President
North Beach Development Corporation
210-7151 Street, Suite 310
Miami Beach, Florida 33141
Re: FM No. 249940-1/407935-1/ Replacement of 63rd Street F1yover and
63rd Street Bascule Bridge rehabilitation
Dear Mr. Klein:
Your letter to the City of Miami Beach regarding the 63rd Street Flyover was forwarded to the
Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT) for our response. Following are responses to your
questions and I have expanded on the City's answers where appropriate.
Question 1:
The actual clearance under the existing flyover is 11' 8".
Question 2: If the flyover was deemed historic, the language in the resolution approved by the
State Legislature would set the parameters for future modifications. In some instances, language
has been so restrictive that routine maintenance has needed justification. Therefore, without
knowing the specific language, the FOOT is not in the position to allow anything if this structure
is deemed historic.
Question 3: The FOOT does not see the no-build alternative as an option. As previously
stated, the existing flyover is functionally obsolete and presents a safety concern to FOOT.
FOOT has studied and re-studied this project over the past 12 years considering a number of
replacement alternatives and their impacts. As a result of those studies, the City Commission
passed a resolution in June 2000 (Commission Resolution No. 2000-23965) agreeing to the
removal of the flyover and replacement with an at-grade intersection. As part of that agreement,
the FOOT added landscaped medians and enhanced the pedestrian features on the project.
Question 4: Lowering the grade beneath the flyover was not included in the latest review of
the project by the City's consultant HNTB, but was specifically addressed previously by FOOT.
In 1999, the FOOT looked at lowering the pavement elevation in the vicinity of the e:xisting
flyover in order to increase the vertical clearance. Upon investigation it was detennined tl1at the
foundations for the existing flyover structure are located approximately 6" below the s~rface.
This condition limits the maximum reduction to 6" but also causes other impacts sue h as a
weakening of the existing pavement, the need to relocate existing utility lines which would not
have sufficient cover, the existing drainage system would have to be modified or replaced, and
the vertical clearance would only be increased to ]2' 2" which is below AASHTO and FOOT
minimum design standards.
www.dot.state.fl.us
@ RECYCLED PAPER
Question 5: The most recent study by the City did not address the surrounding streets but the
1999 Study (FR Aleman & Associates) by FOOT included the surrounding streets and analyzed
this intersection as part of a network in this area of Miami Beach.
Question 6: A new flyover from 63rd Street northbound to Indian Creek would have no
physical effect on Alison.lsland or the Aqua development. To develop a replacement flyover, the
design would begin on the east side of the bascule bridge over Indian Creek. Any replacement
alternative that begins on the east side of the bascule bridge wouJd impact right of way along
Indian Creek Drive. (see attached sketches) . .
Question 7:
Answered by the City.
Question 8: The existing flyover is functionally obsolete. This is due to bot" the inadequate
travel way width provided, a lack of shoulder width provided, and the substandard vertical under
clearance of 11 '8". Additionally, the grade for traffic traveling down the flyover is 7.5 percent,
well beyond the accepted standard for this type of facility. As far as the flyover structural rating
it is rated from generally good to good condition.
Question 9:
FDOT is..responsible for the maintenance of the flyover structure.
Question 10: A north-south flyover was considered in the initial study completed in 1993, (see
attached sketch) but discarded from further consideration due to the impacts to on-street parking
and access for properties located south of the 63rd street intersection. A tunnel was never
considered but would have similar impacts to the to the flyover structure at approximately 3-times
the cost.
Question 11: The speed limit on Alton Road is set by the 85th percentile speed of vehicles that
use it. Artificially lowering the speed limit would cause safety concerns on Alton Road and
would have little effect on the intersection operations at 63rd street.
Question 12: FOOT has developed maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans for this project and is
in the process of refining it with the City's input. It is the goal of FDOT to maintain the traffic
moving and access open to the maximum extent possible. Furthennore, as part of the design
phase, a public workshop will be held this summer to infonn the community of the latest MOT
plan and other construction issues.
I trust this will answer your questions and concerns. If you need additional infonnation OT have
additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (305) 470-5464.
Sincerely,
Cc: Fred Beckman, City of Miami Beach
Project file
.--..------..------------------------.------..-
~ NORTH BEACH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
NQRTH 210 71sT Street, Suite 310 . Miami Beach, FL · 33141
BEACH' 305-865-4147. 395-865-4175 (fax) · www.gonorthbeach.com
April 29, 2004
Fred Beckmann
Director of Public Works
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Dear Fred,
Thank you for assisting in Tuesday's presentation of the 63rd Street fly over alternatives.
We really appreciate all of the time and effort by you and other staff members.
We'd like the following information obtained prior to the commission's next discussion on
this matter.
1. Actual clearance under existing flyover.
2. If the flyover is deemed historic, would FDOT allow its reconstruction to match the
e)(isting geometry? Has precedence been set for this with the Venetian Causeway?
3_ Please clarify that if the no-build alternative is taken, when FOOT will require bridgel
fly over replacement.
4. 'Why was lowering the grade beneath the flyover not addressed or shown as an
alternative? Was the consultant advised to not address this?
5. Please clarify why the study did not investigate the potential or real effects on
SLlrrounding streets such as Collins Avenue, Alton Road, Pine Tree and Lagorce Drives,
th at are created by the diversion of traffic from this one intersection.
6. We heard that to build a new flyover to current standards would negatively affect
Alison Island and Aqua. Is it possible to know how much further west would be effected
by such a proposal?
7. Please have the consultant formally respond to Mr. Berman's analysis. Specifically to
. ql....Jantity, timing, light sequencing and the use of traffic devises to maintain vehicles in
respective lanes. He did respond in partial agreement at the presentation. If they do
agree with this, there seems to be fatal errors in the consultant's work.
8. What is the condition of the current flyover structure, relative to concrete and
reinforcement steel corrosion~and lighting and rails?
9. Is the city responsible for the maintenance of this f1yover structure?
10. Commissioner Steinberg stated, that a previous consultant affirmed that the
optimum solution would be to replace the current flyover with a north-south flyover. \Nhy
was this not an alternative? Could a north-south tunnel be created that woulp allow the
current east and north bound vehicles from 63rd street to travel above this tunnel? This
oPens up the intersection and seems to allow continuous travel in all directions.
11. Wlat is the possibility of lowering the rate of speed on Alton Road and lor if the
CUrrent speed limits were enforced, would this create a positive effect on the quantity of
vehicles that eventually stack tJp on east bound 63rd Street? If the cars arrival to the
intersection is slowed, can the intersection then accommodate the quantity?
12. Has an impact study been performed as to how the local area will be affected during
cOnstruction (traffic, emergency services, bridge openings...)? This is a very important
factor in construction of this magnitude. .
Thank you again for your information.
arry Klein, President
./
, .
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
www.miamibeachfl.gov
Public Works Department
Telephone 305-673-7080
Facsimile 305-673-7028
. --
May 19, 2004
Mr. Javier Rodriguez, P. E.
Director of Production
Florida Department of Transportation
1000 N.W. 111th Avenue
Miami, FL 33172-5800
F(ORIDA DEPT. O~ TRAiiSPOil.lAflON'
RECEIVED
. "\) .~ 1 ,004
DIRECTOR OF PiuiuUClION OftlC~
DISTRICT SIX . .. .
Dear Javier:
I am forwarding a letter from Mr. Barry Klein, President of North Beach Development
Corporation, in which he asks 12 questions regarding the 63rd Street Flyover project. I
have provided answers to questions 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10; copy of my letter is attached.
Please take a look at the other questions and provide responses as you deem appropriate.
7/1 ;(L-
Fred H. Beckmann, P.E.
Director of Public Works
FHB\II
F:IWORK\$ALLIOLUCY LLOPISIFDOl\63rd SI Flyover NBDC.doc
NQRTH
BEACH
NORTII BEACH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
210 - nST Street, Suihf.#310 . Miami Beach, FL · 33141
305-865-4147. 305-865-4175 (fax) · www.gonorthbeach.com
May 6, 2004
Mr. Fred Beckmann
Director of Public Works
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Fred,
Since the commission meeting was on May 5th, I understand that your office did'
not have adequate time to respond to my previous questions (attached), generated
from your April 27th presentation. I am hoping that the commission's deferral will
allow your staff and consultant to properly address our concerns.
I would also suggest that the commission be shown the physical effects of a new
flyover, both single and double lane and both 14' and 16' high. The question was
asked about the amount of right of way involved with these scenarios, but there
was no back up for how these solutions would impact surrounding properties or the
road itself.
If there is anything we at NBDC can do in these efforts, please don't hesitate to
call upon us.
.\ ."~' ,
Cc:
Mayor David Dermer
City Commissioners
City Manager Jorge Gonzalez
l-;' .::' :..]
Ol'I'V . .J
r' \
.1 \ i
1 :,--:;':
, .
,1--,';
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
www.miamibeachfl.gov
Public Works Department
Telephone 305.673-7080
Facsimile 305-673-7028
. ->
May 19, 2004
Mr. Barry Klein, President
North Beach Development Corporation
210- 71st Street, Suite 310
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Dear Mr. Klein:
Regret the delay in responding to your letter but it was received on May 10, 2004, while I
was on vacation for a week.
I will provide answers to the following questions of which I have knowledge or information:
Question 4: The City Consultant (HNTB) was hired to address questions directed by the
City Commission at the request of Commissioner Steinberg regarding previous study
analysis assumptions and methodologies. The primary objective of the City Consultant was
to conduct a traffic analysis study based on new traffic counts taken in 2003. This traffic
analysis study was never intended to develop, study, or re-study different alternative
solutions to the existing f1yover.
Question 5: Same as question four.
Question 7: Mr. Berman's presentation and conclusions were responded by the City's
consultant during the May 5, 2004 Commission meeting.
Question 9: No, the City is not responsible for the maintenance of the f1yover structure. It
is an FDOT structure on an FDOT road and therefore, FDOT has responsibility for its
maintenance.
Question 10: Same as question four.
Since the remaining questions are the purview of FOOT, I am forwarding them to FOOT for
their consideration.
Please give me a call if you need anything else.
711 ({f.
Fred H. BeCKmann, P.E.
Director of Public Works
FHB\II
C: Mayor and Commissioners
Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
F:IWORKlSAllIOlUCY llOPI51FOOTlFOOT 63rd 51 FlyOyer NBOC.doC
~
,.
!
~
~
~
.....
~
~
~
~
ro-.
~
~
I~I
~ I~i
~ I~I
!-: ~I
~ Cl:i l~
E:! ....\
~ .
~ ~ II
~ I
c:l ~ 'cj
~ ~ I~I
~ ~ tJi
~ I !
~ I I
~ !
... cil
Ii: 1
x"
I ,~...~ .~
,I
'I