South Dade Bus TransitWay

OHLA USA, Inc. performed this $380 million design-build contract to convert the South Dade Transitway into a state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The new system, which connects five municipalities, will cut travel times by as much as 30 minutes and increase efficiency along a busy and rapidly growing corridor in Miami-Dade County.  OHLA USA’s civil, building, and asphalt divisions aligned their skill sets to carry out the assignment, which encompassed the construction of new and rehabilitation of existing stations and bus shelters, a new five-level, 645-space park-and-ride garage, as well as significant corridor rehabilitation and intersection improvements along 20 miles of exclusive right-of-way between the SW 344th Street Station and Dadeland South adjacent to US‐1, Old Dixie Highway, and Flagler Avenue.

The South Dade Bus TransitWay System features 14 iconic stations, each designed with a distinctive Miami flair. These stations incorporate prefabricated elements, including curved metal roofs, interior lighted pylons displaying station names, and air-conditioned vestibules for passenger comfort.  OHLA forces milled, resurfaced the 20-mile corridor, and replaced it with new structural asphalt.

One of the most technically challenging aspects of the project was sourcing a vendor capable of bending 200-foot-long prefabricated steel support beams to meet the project’s unique curvature specifications. After extensive research, it was determined that the beams would be manufactured and shipped to Chicago, where the delicate bending process took place over several weeks.

A hallmark of this contract is its integration of advanced technology. The installation of 20 miles of upgraded fiber optic cable—a feat made more difficult by post-COVID supply chain disruptions—serves as the digital backbone of the system. This cable, laid underground through conduit, enables seamless communication across all stations, intersections, and control centers.

The system also features traffic signal preemption technology, allowing buses to move through 46 intersections with train-like efficiency. As buses approach, safety arms lower and traffic lights synchronize, enabling uninterrupted passage. To further enhance safety and accessibility, each station includes level boarding platforms flanking four lanes of dedicated bus traffic.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the TransitWay is fully convertible to heavy rail should future transit needs evolve. This forward-thinking approach ensures long-term value and adaptability for the region.

OHLA USA’s Major Scopes of Work:

• Construction of 14 BRT stations, fully convertible to heavy rail
• Rehabilitation of 32 existing bus stops
• Development of a new terminal station at SW 344th Street
• Transitway corridor improvements along 20 miles of exclusive right-of-way
• Construction of the SW 168th Street Park-and-Ride/Garage
• Roadway improvements at 46 intersections