People and Community University

Pedestrian Bridge Over U.S. 1 Dedicated

The long-awaited project provides safe passage across U.S. 1 between the University Metrorail station and Mariposa Court.
pedestrian overpass, dedication ceremony

UM President Julio Frenk, Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli, Department of Transportation Director Alice N. Bravo, Transportation Trust's Marilyn Smith and Commissioners Vince Lago and Esteban L. Bovo, Jr. celebrate the dedication of the University Station Pedestrian Overpass. 

After more than a decade of anguish and hope, local, county and state officials, along with a contingent from the University of Miami, turned out Friday to officially dedicate the long-awaited pedestrian bridge that traverses U.S. 1, linking Mariposa Court with the University Metrorail station.

“Built out of steel and tempered by the even stronger young minds of caring and dedicated young students, this overpass will ensure the safety of countless thousands each year,” said UM President Julio Frenk.

“Today would not have been possible without our student body, and in particular our Student Government, which passed an important resolution calling for the construction of this bridge,” he added. “We are forever grateful for their dedication, devotion and determination.”

UM students began lobbying for the overpass in 2005 after freshman Ashley Kelly was struck and killed by a car while crossing the busy roadway.

The $6 million project received approvals from various government entities, and groundbreaking took place in 2016. More than 1,300 pedestrians cross the highway daily.

Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli said tremendous cooperation between the city, the University and other agencies made the project become a reality.

“It enhances the safety of everyone in Coral Gables, especially the students,” said Valdes-Fauli.

pedestrian overpass, pedestrian bridgeA host of dignitaries attended the event, including UM Trustees Tracey P. Berkowitz and Barbara Hecht Havenick; Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Coral Gables City Manager Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark; Coral Gables city commissioners, and officials from the state Department of Transportation, and UM.

A plaque fixed to the right side of the elevator on the Metrorail side was also unveiled, saying, in part, “In grateful recognition of all those who were involved in its creation.”

The overpass opened in August and a dedication ceremony was originally scheduled for September, but was postponed due to Hurricane Irma.