Starting at 5 a.m. on Friday, the inner lanes of Miami Gardens Drive (NW 183rd Street), spanning between 12th and 14th Avenues, have been shut down to traffic and will remain so for roughly a year. This information comes from a statement released by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on their social media platforms.
This closure is part of the Golden Glades Interchange (GGI) initiative, the largest ongoing road project in northwest Miami-Dade, aimed at extending the northbound Florida's Turnpike bridge over this vital thoroughfare.
According to FDOT, the inner lanes will be "continuously closed for about a year," reducing the road from three lanes to two in each direction.
On the night before the construction began, from 10 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, all lanes of Miami Gardens Drive near the Turnpike were completely closed to establish the new traffic pattern.
Access for residents and businesses nearby will remain available for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout the construction period.
Impact on Local Traffic and Alternatives
Miami Gardens Drive is a crucial artery in the northern part of the county, linking to I-95 and the Aventura area to the east, with Florida's Turnpike crossing it, albeit without entry or exit ramps at this location, making local traffic heavily reliant on this road.
The FDOT advises drivers to "allow additional time when passing through the area" and suggests three alternate routes: Ives Dairy Road and Hallandale Beach Boulevard to the north, and NW 167th Street to the south.
Overview of the Golden Glades Interchange Project
The GGI project, which commenced in March 2024, involves the construction of 34 new bridges and drainage improvements over more than ten miles of roads and ramps where I-95, Florida's Turnpike, the Palmetto Expressway, SR 9, and US 441 converge.
The entire project is budgeted at $1.04 billion, with complete completion anticipated by fall 2031.
Additional Traffic Disruptions in South Florida
In addition to the closure on Miami Gardens Drive, several other disruptions are occurring in South Florida this week.
In Miami-Dade, up to two lanes of I-95 in both directions between NW 8th and 29th Streets will be closed at night until Friday, August 21.
This Saturday, Metromover service will be suspended until 2 p.m. for maintenance work, with free shuttle service available between stations during this time.
In Broward County, further closures affect Atlantic Boulevard in Coconut Creek, Broward Boulevard near Fort Lauderdale, University Drive between Pembroke Pines and Miramar, and the Old Griffin Road bridge in the Dania Beach and Davie area.
The Miami Gardens Drive closure adds to disruptions caused by the Connecting Miami project (I-395/SR 836/I-95), which exceeds $800 million in budget and is not expected to be completed before 2029, leading to sustained pressure on mobility across the county in the coming years.
FAQs on Miami-Dade Traffic Disruptions
Why are the lanes on Miami Gardens Drive closed?
The lanes are closed as part of the Golden Glades Interchange project, which aims to expand the northbound Florida's Turnpike bridge over Miami Gardens Drive.
What alternative routes are suggested during the closure?
The FDOT recommends using Ives Dairy Road and Hallandale Beach Boulevard to the north, and NW 167th Street to the south as alternative routes.
How long will the Golden Glades Interchange project last?
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2031, with various stages of construction and improvements taking place over the years.