Miami, Florida

Ardurra successfully navigated complex historic preservation requirements for the City of Miami's SW 1st Street Bridge replacement, transforming a structurally deficient 1929 bridge while preserving its unique historic character and community connections. The bridge, eligible for listing on the National Register, featured distinctive catwalks connecting to the second-floor levels of three adjacent historic homes within the South River Drive Historic District, requiring innovative solutions to maintain these unusual historic features.

Working through intricate Section 106 and 4(f) processes, the team addressed adverse effects on historic resources while delivering essential infrastructure improvements. Extensive public involvement guided the development of a replacement bridge design that acknowledged the historic character while enhancing multimodal operations, safety, and community connectivity.

Key Project Highlights:

• Replaced structurally deficient 1929 bridge while preserving unique historic catwalks connecting to adjacent National Register-listed homes
• Navigated complex Sections 106 and 4(f) processes addressing adverse effects to historic resources through innovative mitigation strategies
• Maintained historic catwalk connections preserving the most unusual feature of the original bridge and contributing to historic district character
• Implemented comprehensive mitigation measures including HAER documentation, State Historic Marker, preserved original plaque, and educational video
• Achieved strong community support converting initial opposition through extensive public involvement and good faith consultation
• Enhanced multi-modal operations and safety while improving community connectivity and avoiding adverse effects to adjacent historic properties
• Won multiple prestigious awards, including 2022 FHWA Environmental Excellence Award and ACEC Florida Grand Award for Structural Systems

The project opened in 2022 with overwhelming community support, demonstrating successful integration of infrastructure needs with historic preservation through innovative design and stakeholder engagement. The achievement establishes new benchmarks for sensitive historic bridge replacement projects nationwide.