Summer 2025 Construction Update For Miami's 325' Tall Signature Bridge As The Arches Take Form On 'The Fountain'

Miami’s Signature Bridge, known as The Fountain, is entering a new phase of construction as the project’s iconic arches begin to rise above I-395, offering a first glimpse of the monumental structure set to redefine the city’s skyline. The six-arch bridge, designed as both a transportation link and architectural statement, is progressing steadily according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Once complete, it will improve traffic flow between I-95, I-395, and SR 836 while creating an iconic new visual gateway into downtown with six sweeping arches. Set to span 1,025’ over NE 2nd ave. and Biscayne Boulevard, the largest of the six-arches will reach 325’ tall and 650’ wide. Several key segments of the arches are now being installed, with full vertical completion anticipated in 2027.

The Signature Bridge is the centerpiece of a larger infrastructure initiative that includes reimagining the space beneath it. Known as The Underdeck, this 55-acre public park will stretch from Overtown to downtown, reconnecting neighborhoods long divided by highway infrastructure. Planned amenities include green space, pedestrian paths, public art, and event areas. The broader design-build effort is being led by the Archer Western–de Moya Joint Venture in collaboration with FDOT and the City of Miami. More than just a road project, the Signature Bridge aims to blend mobility, urban design, and community revitalization into a single, transformative vision for Miami.

The Signature Bridge project has had its fair share of drama. In July 2018 the bridge was awarded a Notice to Proceed following an April 2018 hearing where the State of Florida Division of Administration Hearing ruled in favor of FDOT after bridge advocate and former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff filed a lawsuit alleging that FDOT violated their 2013 settlement agreement via their handling of bids to design and build the bridge by manipulating scoring to allow the Archer Western and The de Moya Group's proposal to win. In May 2018 a Judge ruled in favor of FDOT to allow them proceed with the winning design.

Downtown Miami's $800 Million Signature Bridge Awarded Notice To Proceed By FDOT

Florida Department Of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded the Archer Western-de Moya Joint Venture, the contractors for Downtown Miami's $800 million Signature Bridge, a Notice To Proceed. The final chosen design known as The Fountain and will be the new gateway to Miami Beach, transforming I-395 and the entry to MacAruthur Causeway. The initiative will build a 55-acre park, known as Heritage Trail, under the bridge, as well as changes to State Road 836 including adding a lane and building Miami's first double-deck highway. The construction timeline is 4 years.

The Signature Bridge project has had its fair share of drama. In an April 2018 hearing, the State of Florida Division of Administration Hearing ruled in favor of FDOT after bridge advocate and former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff filed a lawsuit alleging that FDOT violated their 2013 settlement agreement via their handling of bids to design and build the bridge by manipulating scoring to allow the Archer Western and The de Moya Group's proposal to win. In May 2018 a Judge ruled in favor of FDOT to allow them proceed with the winning design.

Judge Rules Florida Department of Transportation Can Proceed With "The Fountain" Signature Bridge

A judge has ruled to allow the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to proceed with the winning design for Downtown Miami's proposed $802 million Signature Bridge. The winning design is known as "The Fountain" designed by Archer Western and The de Moya Group. In an April hearing, the State of Florida Division of Administration Hearing ruled in favor of FDOT after bridge advocate and former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff filed a lawsuit alleging that FDOT violated their 2013 settlement agreement via their handling of bids to design and build the bridge by manipulating scoring to allow the Archer Western and The de Moya Group's proposal to win. Another design by contractors Fluor, Astaldi and MCM, which finished in second, was allegedly the favorite design by community representatives. The court ruled that Fluor-Astaldi-MCM failed to prove that "The Fountain" was chosen due to corruption. The legal action delayed the groundbreaking which was supposed to commence in 2017 and be completed in 2022. The Signature Bridge is expected to cost $802 million with $626 million in funds provided via the State of Florida including state motor fuels tax, vehicle license fee, and documentary stamp collections; and $186 million being funded via MDX toll revenue bond proceeds. 

Drama Heating Up Over Downtown's Proposed $800 Million Signature Bridge For I-395

The drama continues to heat up over the design and construction of Downtown Miami's proposed and approved, $800 million Signature Bridge, which would transform I-395. A Miami-Dade judge denied a motion by FDOT to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who challenged the state's controversial choice of the $800 million "The Fountain" design by Archer Western and The de Moya Group. Sarnoff was a major advocate to get the bridge redesign approved, working with Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado to hold FDOT to their pledge to include the Signature Bridge as part of I-395's replacement. Sarnoff's case alleges that FDOT violated their settlement agreement via their handling of bids to design and build the bridge by manipulating scoring to allow the Archer Western and The de Moya Group's proposal to win. Another design by contractors Fluor, Astaldi and MCM, which finished in second, was allegedly the favorite design by community representatives. In their motion to dismiss, FDOT argued that the court venue was improper as another case is currently under review by Florida's Division of Administrative Hearings. That case is scheduled to be heard in November and December of this year (2017). Check-out the winning bid, "The Fountain" by Archer Western and The de Moya Group here.  

$800 Million "The Fountain" Chosen as Winning Design for Signature Bridge

“The Fountain” has been chosen as the winning design for the $800 million Signature Bridge project in downtown Miami. The selection was made by FDOT which controversially shunned public opinion. The winning concept, which was inspired by Miami's location serving as a gateway to South America, came from a joint venture team led by Archer Western- de Moya. The bridge would feature color changing LED's on the cables and arches and will feature a 55-acre public park beneath which will be known as Heritage Trail. Construction will begin in late 2017 with completion estimated in 2022 but a formal protest from the 2nd place team which lost by a mere 1/2 point may delay the project. The press release states:

"The Fountain concept was inspired by Miami’s world renowned status as the center of the Americas. Miami has been influenced in its development and growth by various regions throughout the United States, the Carribean, as well as Central and South America due to its position as the Gateway City. In 1930, Pan American Airways established Miami as its worldwide headquarters with its terminal at the current City Hall, and provided the initial links that opened up the potential of Miami’s waterfront to all of the Americas. The Fountain’s design symbolizes these influences similar to an “airline map” depicting the curved travel paths to and from the central city of Miami.

The Fountain was aptly named to signify Miami’s connection to the water that began several thousand years ago with the Tequesta Indians and continues to this day with the tens of millions of visitors that make Miami their warm weather destination for the sun, beach, cruises, vibrant nightlife, and culture. The bridge is designed using contextual metaphors drawn from the region’s tropical and urban environments. The overall vision for this signature bridge is to emphasize the essence of Miami as a center for the Arts, with this structure as its nexus, making it a focal point of civic life for all Miamians, and what will become the heart of Miami for our children and grand-children.

The Fountain Bridge also provides vast open spaces below the bridge allowing for the development of our proposed Heritage Walk. Heritage Walk memorializes Miami’s history including the original Tequesta Indian inhabitants, Julia Tuttle and Henry Flagler, the original African American settlers to Overtown, the Cuban immigration, and Miami’s status as a global city with limitless potential through culture, art, and bold imagery."

Final Design for Miami Signature Bridge Proposal Chosen, Approved, to be Announced May 1

The Florida Department of Transportation has made the final decisions after sifting through proposals for Downtown Miami's new Signature Bridge and will release the chosen design on May 1. Miami's Signature Bridge will serve as a gateway to MacArthur Causeway and South Beach. The top ranked team include DB Firm Archer Western – de Moya JV along with Archer Western Contractors, LLC, The de Moya Group, Inc. and team members:

• HDR
• RS&H
• Leonhardt, Andra und Partner
• MacDonald Architects
• Illumination Arts
• RWDI Consulting Engineers
• Pennoni Associates
• Metric Engineering
• Corven Engineering
• GOAL Associates (DBE)
• Universal Engineering Sciences and HR Engineering Services (HRES)
• Cardno
• Manuel G. Vera & Associates (DBE)
• PlusUrbia
• Ronald E Frazier & Associates, Neil Hall, AIA, and Design 2 Form