Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge Rehabilitation

CGA was subcontracted by Hardesty and Hanover, the engineering firm on the design build team with Kiewit Construction. CGA’s scope included hydrographic and topographic survey, drainage design, lighting and signing and pavement markings for the rehabilitation of the Rickenbacker Causeway’s West Bridge and the rehabilitation and expansion of the Bear Cut Bridge. The Bear Cut bridge was widened to accommodate a multiuse path in both directions, separated from the travel lanes by a barrier wall; and 8’ bike lanes adjacent to traffic in both directions. Also included were both approaches to Bear Cut Bridge which required coordination with two of the County’s adjacent future projects. The Rickenbacker Causeway is highly utilized by cyclists, both road bikes and cruisers. As such, Miami Dade Traffic was very focused on accommodating all users and getting stakeholder feedback as part of the project.

Numerous meetings and coordination efforts made permitting the signing and pavement markings for this project possible. As part of the rehabilitation of the Bear Cut bridge, the existing cross slope and bridge deck structure were modified impacting the existing drainage. Permitting through Miami-Dade County’s Regulatory & Economic Resources Department and South Florida Water Management District was accomplished through innovative design and extensive agency coordination since the receiving waters, Biscayne Bay, are Outstanding Florida Waters. Electrical coordination for the demolition and rehabilitation of the bridge deck was critical to maintaining safe travel ways during construction. CGA coordinated the bridge circuits during construction as well as providing new lighting for the widened bridge and new multi-use paths.