Miami Dade announces receiving $16.2 million grant
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $16.2 million Implementation Grant under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, administered by the United States Department of Transportation. This prestigious grant will support the “Advancing Transportation Equity Through Vision Zero in Miami-Dade County” project, aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic fatalities.
“This grant is a game-changer for Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Danielle Levine Cava. “It enables us to advance our Vision Zero goals, enhancing safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists who have been disproportionately impacted by road accidents. We’re committed to reversing the alarming trend of pedestrian and cyclist crashes in our community.”
The awarded funds will focus on infrastructure improvements at 24 critical locations within the County’s high-injury network. These areas, while only representing about 20% of the county’s total road miles, account for 86% of all fatal and severe-injury crashes. The grant will facilitate the implementation of essential safety measures, including the upgrading and installation of additional signs, pavement markings, signalization, lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, and the transformation of some parking lanes into shared-use paths.
“Our focus with this project is not only on improving road safety but also on strengthening the connections between our disadvantaged communities and essential services,” added Eulois Cleckley, DTPW’s director and CEO. “These improvements are a major step toward a safer, more equitable transportation network.”
The countermeasures for this project were selected following an in-depth study of well-documented safety issues. They are designed to address the direct causes of crashes at key locations, focusing on curtailing the nearly 40% increase in pedestrian and cyclist crashes observed between 2012 and 2022. Additionally, these improvements are pivotal in connecting disadvantaged communities to vital destinations like community amenities and transit services, ultimately increasing transportation equity.
The award is part of the broader initiative under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has dedicated more than $14 billion to roadway safety, aiming to bring traffic deaths down to zero.
Miami-Dade announces help for Metrobus riders
From David Volz
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) are announcing additional solutions to support riders impacted by changes in Metrobus service following the launch of the Better Bus Network (BBN). These short-term solutions include expanded MetroConnect service, renewed cooperation with neighboring cities and municipalities, an interim partnership with Uber to provide transportation vouchers for residents in certain areas where bus services have been altered and additional outreach sessions where residents will continue to have the opportunity to provide feedback on the new system.
“Since the launch of the Better Bus Network, we have been listening closely to our riders and bus operators alike, collecting feedback on wait times, ease of access, and alternative mobility options,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “While many riders have seen increased reliability on their routes, we understand the need for accessible transportation options for all. We are excited to roll out these additional measures as a testament to our commitment to transit users, ensuring no one is left behind as we refine and improve our public transportation system.”
“Our team is working tirelessly to integrate public feedback into the Better Bus Network,” added DTPW Director and CEO Eulois Cleckley. “Collaborating with Uber and expanding our innovative MetroConnect service allows us to offer immediate and practical transportation solutions to our residents. We’re not just planning for the future of transit in Miami-Dade; we’re actively shaping it today.”
