Traffic in Miami Beach can be quite a headache, especially during events like concerts or annual events like Art Basel. With the relatively small size of the barrier island, there have been various plans in the works to try and improve traffic and boost public transportation. The City of Miami Beach has been evaluating solutions and is now looking to proceed with plans for a light rail/wireless streetcar system that will among other things provide transportation between the barrier island and Downtown Miami via the frequently congested MacArthur Causeway.
The light rail system will begin with the construction of a two-way connection on Washington Avenue and 5th Street, currently being referred to as the “South Beach Component”. Once this first phase is complete, the second one will be built on Miami Beach’s 17th Street and Alton Road. If each phase goes according to plan, subsequent phases will focus on building routes along the Julia Tuttle Causeway to eventually connect the city with the Midtown area of Miami and Miami International Airport.
Currently, the light rail is still in its initial planning stages but if it does indeed see the light of day, it could be a major development in alleviating traffic tie-ups in Miami Beach and creating another option for efficient public transportation.
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