The project that’s transforming space underneath the Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and living art space is awarded millions in grant money.

MIAMI ( November 06, 2019 ) — The federal government announced this week it is awarding $22.3 million towards the design and construction of enhancements for The Underline, a 10-mile linear park underneath the Metrorail guideway.
The Underline first broke ground in November 2018 for the construction of its first phase, the Brickell Backyard. This world-class urban trail is one of Miami-Dade County’s most innovative and fastest-moving multimodal transportation projects. Upon its completion, the expected project cost will be approximately $98.8 million, funded in part by the State of Florida, local municipalities, and private developers making it a true public-private partnership.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), on behalf of Miami-Dade County and Friends of the Underline, submitted a BUILD Transportation Grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting a contribution of $22,360,552 for the remaining unfunded transportation costs in order to complete this transformational mobility corridor.

“It’s great news that the Department of Transportation will be awarding Miami-Dade County a $22.36 Million BUILD grant toward the design and construction of The Underline 10-mile multimodal corridor,” said Senator Marco Rubio. “I was proud to work with Secretary Chao and the Dept. of Transportation, ensuring Florida continues to receive critical investment from the federal government in our state’s infrastructure.”

“As a former trustee, I am delighted that the federal government is investing in The Underline,” said Congresswoman Donna Shalala. “It will greatly improve our community’s safety, mobility and connectivity,”

“We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and to our congressional delegation, particularly Sen. Marco Rubio and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart in Appropriations and Donna Shalala, whose district includes the Underline, for their advocacy to fund this transformative project,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The Underline will help develop better connected and more pedestrian-friendly communities for our residents.”

“The award of this federal grant will help ensure the funding needed to keep moving forward with this important multi-use, multi-modal corridor,” said DTPW Director Alice N. Bravo, P.E.

The Underline serves as a transportation solution, a safety strategy, and an economic catalyst. It will connect communities, improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and create over 120 acres of open space with restored natural habitats. Once built, it will also encourage a healthy lifestyle by providing an easily accessible place to exercise, and it will create a mobility corridor that integrates transit, car, biking and walking. Just as important, The Underline will attract development along US1, and generate a significant economic impact.

To learn more about The Underline and transit services, visit DTPW’s website. To plan your trip on transit, or track your incoming bus or train in real time, download the free MDT Tracker app.