Construction of South Florida’s first complete ground transportation hub began Sept. 27 when Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Ananth Prasad joined local officials and representatives of Amtrak, Greyhound, Miami-Dade Transit Metrorail and Metrobus and Tri-Rail for a “shoveling of dirt” ceremony launching the final component of the massive $2 billion Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) Program.

The program included remarks by Miami-Dade Commissioner Bruno Barreiro who chairs the county’s Regional Transportation Committee, FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad and District Six Secretary Gus Pego as well as representatives of the four transportation services that will operate out of the Miami Central Station.

“The Miami Central Station is the crown jewel of the MIC Program,” said Prasad. “It will make a significant difference for residents and visitors by giving them transportation choices within this one location.”

Covering 16.5 acres, the $147 million facility is located just east of the recently-opened Miami Rental Car Center and is bounded by NW 25 Street on the north, NW 37 Avenue on the east, NW 21 Street on the south and NW 38 Court on the west.

“The Miami Central Station will be a main transfer point between the rail and bus systems available for resident commuters and visitors to South Florida,” said District Secretary Pego. “It also will feature an enhanced Tri-Rail station, connections to the Miami Rental Car Center, MIA Mover, Metrorail and Metrobus, Amtrak, Greyhound and courtesy shuttle services, as well as taxis and private vehicles.”

When completed, the Miami Central Station will be similar to New York’s Grand Central Station and other multimodal facilities that can be found in many world-class cities. This major component of the MIC Program will provide choices and connectivity between transportation systems in Palm Beach County, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the Florida Keys. It will be the first all-inclusive ground transportation hub for residents and visitors in Miami-Dade County and the South Florida region.

Miami Central Station planners have taken into account Miami-Dade County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program so throughout the facility there are provisions for bicyclists as well as pedestrians, which will enable them to move about safely and make their transportation connections.

Sponsored and built by FDOT as the second major structure of the intermodal complex, the Miami Central Station is expected to be completed by September 2013. Construction is being funded by FDOT state transportation funds and loans, federal surface transportation funds, a federal grant and private sector fees and charges.

For more information on the Miami Central Station or the MIC Program, visit www.micdot.com. CEG

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