The city has hired consultant Manuel G. Vera and Associates to conduct a
topography survey for a proposed downtown streetcar system. The survey, to
be completed in November, will include utilities, drainage and the
right-of-way along two proposed routes totaling 9.6 mi. (15.5 km). The
project is moving at an accelerated pace, with a Request for Proposals for
construction scheduled to be released in January. “The Miami City
Commission will consider the approval of the project in September or
October,” Assistant Transportation Coordinator Lilia Medina told Miami
Today. “By then, the environmental analysis would be completed, along with
a decision on the route or alignment. The financial plan to fund the
streetcar is definitely in the works and we hope to have a final financial
plan for City Commission consideration in July.” As currently proposed, a
north-south loop would be 6.75 mi. (10.9 km) long and run from
Southeast/Southwest First Street to Northeast 40th and 41st streets. The
2.9-mi. (4.7 km) east-west loop would be routed on Northwest 20th Street
from Northeast Second to Northwest 10th avenues, then south on Northwest
10th Avenue to Northwest 17th Street, then back to Northeast Second Avenue.
