Miami residents will soon be able to enjoy the modernization of the historic Lincoln Road, which will connect it to the beach. The project, previously announced by city officials, will involve public and private investments exceeding $4 billion and has already begun its second phase.
Phase II of the Lincoln Road modernization project began in September of this year. The Miami Beach website provided details of this phase, which will modify Meridian and Drexel Avenues and include:
Installation of new lighting.
Renovation of pedestrian surfaces.
Installation of attractions and fountains, along with new street furniture.
Improvement of fertilization systems for healthy trees.
Milling and repaving of streets.
Improvements to pedestrian crossings.
This phase will have a budget of $29.4 million. According to a press release, the renovation and pedestrianization of Drexel Avenue will take one year.
The project will facilitate north-south connectivity for residents and visitors and improve pedestrian access to The Fillmore Miami Beach, New World Center, Soundscape Park, and the upcoming Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel.
However, one of the most striking aspects of the project is the extension of Lincoln Road toward the ocean. This will connect the promenade directly to the beach via a pedestrian walkway.
The walkway will include public art and a monument inspired by the architect Morris Lapidus, one of the most important figures in the city’s history.
Aside from the pedestrian walkway connecting the promenade to the beach, another key element of the revitalization is the reinstallation of the historic digital clock. Located at 407 Lincoln Road, it was a Miami Beach landmark for over 60 years before it began malfunctioning in 2020.
According to Axios, the age of the original clock made it difficult to secure the necessary parts for repairs. Now, the new version aims to honor the original 1950s design.
The company that owns the building announced that the new clock will also display the temperature, like its predecessor. It was installed in November and should begin normal operation by mid-December after testing is completed.
With this new action, the city continues its efforts to revitalize the historic boardwalk.
In other news, according to a press release from authorities, Miami Beach is preparing to launch its first free water taxi service between its historic shoreline and downtown.
The measure follows the approval on December 17 of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to finalize a concession agreement with Water Taxi of Miami Beach, LLC.
The service will run every 30 minutes on weekdays, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Initially, it will not operate on weekends. The 40-foot (12-meter) boats have a maximum capacity of 55 passengers each.
“I have been actively working to bring a free water taxi system to Miami Beach, a groundbreaking initiative that can alleviate traffic congestion through cleaner and more efficient public transportation,” stated Mayor Steven Meiner.
“This is an exciting time to move forward with mobility projects that truly improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” he added.
