PortMiami Tunnel Opening Celebration!
Today was the historic PortMiami Tunnel Opening (where you can watch my video of the first 3 trucks that officially entered the port tunnel)! A better video can be found here, courtesy of Local 10.
As the Miami Herald reported today, four long years and $915 million dollars went into this tunnel that will now allow both cruise traffic and trucks to bypass downtown Miami and instead, head straight to the highway.
Much needed relief for residents. And… No Tolls!
Perhaps one of the more touching moments was when all of the 900+ workers were celebrated and extremely proud exiting the tunnel.
Governor Rick Scott, Mayor Gimenez, Mayor Thomas Regalado, former Port Director Bill Johnson and new Port Director Juan Kuryla among additional politicians attended and spoke about the massive job opportunities the tunnel opening (has had and) will have on Miami as well as the fact that the project was on time, and on budget.
The tunnel is supposed to officially open to the public later this month.
The dredging continues – and estimated to be complete by 2015 in anticipation for Post Panamax cargo ships.
What’s a celebration without selfies? Check them out below along with a great shot of the new tunnel. I’m ready for more cargo traffic – what are your thoughts on the new tunnel and PortMiami?
