The Underline

Envisioned to retrofit underutilized land under the elevated Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) Metrorail heavy rail system, The Underline is well on its way to becoming Miami’s latest recreational space and outdoor destination. Long planned and highly promoted, the project’s first phase was recently completed. Called, The Underline in Brickell Backyard, it includes a bike path, basketball court, outdoor gym, walking trails, native plant gardens and more.

The first half mile of the future ten mile long linear park, it stretches seven blocks between the Miami River and SW 13th Street in Miami’s Brickell Financial District. The $16.5 million park project was designed by James Corner Field Operations and constructed by Central Pedrail. Funding for construction involved $7.69 million from Miami-Dade County, $1.94 million from an FDOT TAP Grant, $2 million from the State of Florida, $4.9 million from the City of Miami and $20,000 from FDOT.

Future phases are proposed to extend the trail and linear park system ten miles south to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station, creating a bicycle and pedestrian corridor that will provide direct access to Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, University of Miami, South Miami, Dadeland Mall and Downtown Dadeland.

Currently in pre-design, Phase 2 will extend the trail 2.14 miles south from SW 13th Street to SW 19th Avenue. The $18 million project will be funded with $8.58 million from the State of Florida, $8 million from Miami-Dade County and $1.75 million from the City of Miami.

The third and final phase will be constructed at the estimated cost of $109 million, stretching seven miles from SW 19th Avenue to Dadeland South Metrorail Station.