Aerial view of the first design concept: Broward County
Plans are underway to replace two outdated rail bridges in Broward County, about 61 km north of Miami, with aesthetic bascule bridges. The current bridges have low clearance, hindering boat traffic, and the problem has worsened with increased train crossings due to a new passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando. Broward County commissioned the new bridges to improve water navigation and east-west traffic for vehicles and pedestrians.
A bascule bridge was chosen early on as the most efficient design. TYLin led the team that developed three conceptual designs, aiming to create landmark bridges: "No other moveable rail bridge incorporates significant aesthetic elements like these do," said Joseph Yesbeck, TYLin's project manager. "If the project moves forward, this will effectively put Broward County on the map as the only U.S. County with such a bridge."
The second design incorporates sea glass: Broward County
"These are shorter, more compact bridge designs that will likely stay within the railroad property boundaries, eliminating the need to acquire private property," said Broward Mayor Nan Rich.
The third concept features a fish hook design: Broward County
The new bridges will be just under 805m long, with one design estimated to cost between US$470 and US$495 million. This is similar to previous concept estimates by the Florida Department of Transportation (US$243-US$474 million) but much lower than tunnel options, which exceed US$1 billion.
Local stakeholders will be able to provide input on the final design, according to Mayor Rich.
