Public support for the working River is eroded when motorists are frustrated by traffic backlogs due to unnecessary bridge openings. Circumstances dictating the opening of bridges are clearly delineated by Coast Guard policy with an emphasis on safety; nevertheless, occasionally tug captains with large vessels under tow complain about dangerous delays when they request bridge openings.

SOLUTION #1: To address complaints about delays and bridge operations, the QAT hosted a series of discussions to define and resolve bridge problems on the River.

After a comprehensive review, the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO) leadership called together appropriate parties to resolve bridge issues. The MSO also distributed a Bridge Complaint Form through the QAT so that River users will document problems for more effective resolution in the future. (See Marine Safety section of this report.)

SOLUTION #2: The QAT and marine industry must do all that they can to ensure that each bridge opening is indeed necessary; continuing education aimed toward recreational boaters should provide ongoing reminders that all antennas, Bimini tops and outriggers which can be lowered to permit passage under a bridge should be.

Bridge improvements and replacements will require somewhat fewer bridge openings in the near future, since proposed bridge designs for both S.W. 2nd Avenue and N.W. 12th Avenue are significantly higher than existing bridge clearances. Widened spans should also contribute to better traffic flow, although there is no question that bridges will still need to open for cargo vessels during non-curfew - non-drive time - hours. (Bridge curfew hours are 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.) Bridge replacement is an important part of traffic enhancement and downtown development for the Miami River.

Infrastructure Improvements & Downtown Development

The Coast Guard's 1998 facility inspections have also led to some infrastructure improvements for marine facilities on the Miami River and are widely speculated to spur the renovations of many others. Additionally, the 1998 federal designation of an Empowerment Zone with its bordering Enterprise Zones for resident workers is contiguous to parts of the River and promises economic benefits for further improvements and commercial development in appropriate River environs.

The City of Miami has also undertaken important revitalization of the River at Lummus Park. Successful in winning state funding for the area known as Riverside (the north side of the River from 5th Street to the mouth), the City is currently engaged in developing a revitalization plan to establish an entertainment destination for pedestrians and local traffic. An experienced team of professionals familiar with the Miami River has been hired to spearhead this effort.

Riverday '99

The Lummus Park/Riverside area was also the site of the 1999 Riverday festival. Sponsored by a coalition of River interests (Antillean Marine, the Miami River Commission, the Miami River Marine Group, Dade Heritage Trust, the Downtown Development Authority, Swire Properties, and the City of Miami, among others), Riverday '99 was successful in drawing public attention to the River's heritage and economic potential. Boat rides, tours and day-long entertainment drew 2,000 people to the River's waterfront. A Marine Expo hosted by the agencies of the QAT added to a better understanding of the River's intense activity. The Miami Riverday festival will enter its fourth consecutive year with the millennium on the first Saturday in April, 2000.

Film studios continue to appreciate the River's potential. In 1998, producers for a major motion picture called "Random Hearts" coordinated with the QAT for a quiet period on the River during several important film segments set along the Miami River.

In other downtown developments, a Chicago entrepreneur recently launched The Miami River Jungle Tour to bring further appreciation of the River to tourists visiting South Florida. A proliferation of waterside and seafood restaurants continues to thrive with River development. Finally, the Miami River Commission is leading committees on Economic Development and Commerce, Greenway Development, Stormwater Improvement and Quality of Life issues for the Miami River, all which positively impact the working River's commercial viability.

Phone: (305) 637-7977
Fax: (305) 637-7949
Email: [email protected]