Shared-Use Path

The adopted 2016 Miami Beach Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was built on a mode share goal and modal prioritization strategy adopted by Resolution No. 2015-29083 on July 8, 2015, which places pedestrian first, transit, bicycles, and freight second; and private automobiles third. The Chase Avenue and 34^th Street shared-use path is a priority 1 project in the TMP, located on the north side of the Miami Beach Golf Club between Alton Road and Prairie Avenue. Shared-use paths serve both pedestrians and bicycles and are commonly found along parks and golf courses, separated from the adjacent roadway. Ultimately, this project will connect to a series of paths around the Miami Beach Golf Club.

Speeding and cut-through traffic in the Central Bayshore neighborhood has been a concern of the community for some time. A traffic calming study for this neighborhood was approved by the Bayshore Homeowner’s Association and subsequently by the Mayor and City Commission on February 17, 2017.

 At the October 16, 2018 public meeting for the Chase Avenue and 34^th Street shared-use path project, residents raised concerns with speeding and cut-through traffic. Speed data was subsequently collected and indicated that the 85^th percentile speed along Chase Avenue is approximately 34 miles per hour (mph). This is 4 mph above the posted speed limit. As a result, the City is adding two (2) speed tables along Chase Avenue between Alton Road and 34^th Street as part of the G.O. Bond funded Central Bayshore Traffic Calming Project which is currently in the design phase.

The Central Bayshore Traffic Calming Project, which is presently in the design phase, is being concurrently executed with the Chase Avenue and 34th Street shared-use path project. The shared-use path's construction documents have reached 90% completion and are presently undergoing a comprehensive review by MDC DERM, CMB Building Department, and CMB Urban Forestry to obtain the requisite permits. FDOT has provided their approval for the project. Permitting is expected to conclude in April 2023, and construction is slated to commence in October 2023.

To verify the necessity of speed tables at midblock on Prairie Avenue between Dade Boulevard and 28^th Street and Chase Avenue between 34^th Street and 40^th Street, City staff conducted further data collection. Additionally, data was collected at the western intersection of Prairie Avenue and 28^th Street to determine if the traffic volume meets the criteria for implementing an all-way stop sign-controlled intersection. Recently, staff initiated a reexamination of traffic calming measures through additional data collection in these areas to determine any supplemental needs. The collected data will be analyzed internally and shared with the consultants, and if necessary, the consultants will incorporate the traffic-calming measures into their scope of work.

City Staff has been working with a traffic engineering consultant to develop traffic calming improvements to address community safety and traffic concerns. On March 28, 2023, the consultant is scheduled to submit the 60% Design Plans for review and comment by City staff. City staff will review and provide feedback to the consultant, who will implement any necessary modifications to the design plans before submitting them to Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW).