CONSTRUCTION ALERT - Howard Drive Shared Path project. Construction scheduled to commence July 12, 2021. Details and background provided

Here is a true “in the loop” update on the Howard Drive Shared Path project. Construction is scheduled to commence July 12, 2021. Details and background are supplied below.

Not much has been heard about the MEGA sidewalk since the fireworks erupted late in 2020. I have been provided a timeline from County sources that I am releasing here. CLICK HERE for background blog posts or review: September 29, 2020, Seeking updates on the SW 136th Street MEGA sidewalkproject. Is the grand Photo Op ceremony still on for Friday, October 2nd (SPOILER ALERT – it was cancelled and I am not in the loop as to whether it will ever take place). Also see October 30, 2019, Pinecrest Wins, Palmetto Bay loses. Pinecrest Council discusses material changes to 136 St Bike Lane. Palmetto Bay may be home to a 10 foot MEGA sidewalk instead of a shared project.

July 12, 2021: Anticipate commencement of the shared use path. The initial work will start Howard Drive Elementary in order to minimize any disruptions of class schedules for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.

Both Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest were notified on March 4, 2021, by Miami-Dade County that the start date for construction of the shared used path was July 12, 2021. The County anticipates the project will last 300 days – with substantial completion in 240 days.

All this flows from various meetings, including those listed below:

A November 7, 2019 meeting was held where Mayors Corradino and Cunningham both met with representatives from the County to review the project.

There was an October 23, 2019, meeting where the Pinecrest Public Works Director met with County representatives to discuss the issue with tree removal along the Pinecrest side of the right of way. The result of this meeting was that the County agreed that the trees on the Pinecrest side of SW 136 Street will not be disturbed.

September 23 and 25, 2019: Pinecrest Public Works Director met with Miami-Dade County and Palmetto Bay to discuss plans for the shared-use bike lane on SW 136 Street. Discussed centered around a revised approach that would involve construction of a shared use path along the entire length of 136 Street on the south side (Palmetto Bay) and nothing on the Pinecrest side. 

Further updates will be provided when and if received.