Miami, FL – Urban planner Mark R. Brown, AICP, CNU, has put forth a detailed proposal for a "world-class pedestrian bridge" designed to forge a critical link between the Brickell financial district and Downtown Miami. The concept, which aims to provide a more efficient and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists, was unveiled in a recent piece on his Substack, titled "Why We Should Build A Pedestrian Bridge Over the Miami River."
Brown publicly announced his initiative, stating in a tweet, > "My new Substack piece: A proposal for a world class pedestrian bridge connecting Brickell to Downtown Miami." The proposal directly addresses the widely acknowledged frustrations with the existing Brickell Avenue bridge, which he describes as "a source of hatred for millions of people" due to constant openings for boat traffic and inadequate pedestrian facilities. This new bridge is presented as a simpler, cheaper alternative to a previously considered $1.5-$2.5 billion tunnel.
The envisioned structure is a high-level fixed pedestrian bridge, ideally cable-stayed, positioned at the mouth of the Miami River. This design would require substantial vertical clearance, estimated at least 75 feet, to accommodate significant yacht and commercial vessel traffic. Access would be facilitated through long switchbacks or spiral approach ramps, with proposed locations adjacent to the Icon building in Brickell and near the Aston Martin building on the north side.
Financially, the project is estimated to cost between $60 million and $120 million for a high-quality build, encompassing the main structure, ramps, site work, and significant design and engineering overhead. Brown contrasts this with the high cost of road projects that offer minimal multimodal improvements, arguing that a pedestrian bridge would be "far cheaper, faster to build, and actually have tangible economic, social and aesthetic benefits."
Beyond cost-effectiveness, the proposal highlights numerous benefits, including improved connectivity and walkability by directly linking two major economic hubs. It also projects significant economic impact through boosted property values and stimulated tourism, alongside traffic and transportation relief by diverting pedestrian traffic off congested roads. The bridge is also touted for its potential to enhance public health, improve quality of life, and serve as an iconic landmark, contributing to Miami's urban design and placemaking. Brown presents the concept as an "open-source endeavor," inviting collaboration and potential private funding.
