Winner, Winner…I-395 Signature Bridge Design Chosen…with Controversy

Rendering of the “Fountain” bridge design for I-395 | Rendering courtesy of Archer Western – De Moya

 
The Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) voted on the design of the new I-395 signature bridge in Downtown Miami, and the winning design has been announced with much controversy.

The winning design of the $800 Million project that was approved this past week by the FDOT was created through a joint venture led by Archer Western and the de Moya Group and is named “Fountain.” So, what is the problem, and why are people so upset about the Fountain?

Renderings of the “Fountain” bridge design for I-395 | Rendering courtesy of Archer Western – De Moya

Well, after many years of rumors about the design for the state-funded bridge that has been anticipated to become an iconic landmark in South Florida, the FDOT decided on the design without residents and taxpayers actually having a fair say.  In addition, many are claiming that the FDOT has not been transparent about the approval, and some are even charging voter maneuvering that diluted the power of the final approving aesthetic panel, according to the Miami Herald. And, the FDOT seems to be ducking questions about their voting process, even though community leaders are publicly speaking out.

Overall, people are upset about the lack of transparency of the FDOT and that the bridge design that won was not the preferred design by the aesthetic panel. The aesthetic panel actually preferred the design below by Fluor-Astaldi-MCM, which consists of 2 scissor-like towers meant to look like dancers cavorting before the adjacent Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Second Place – Proposed Rendering for the I-395 bridge design submitted by Fluor-Astaldi-MCM

Nevertheless, rumors are already flying that the bridge construction may be delayed, and that there may be some ability to override the score of the panel if Fluor-Astaldi-MCM can provide an overall better value…we will wait and see.

Please let us know your thoughts about the winning design.