Earlington Heights Connector

• Improves regional transit connectivity
• Brings Metrorail service to Miami International Airport (MIA) via the Miami Central Station
• Will greatly enhance the economic viability of the MIC area

Work has begun on the MIC-Earlington Heights Connector which will be a 2.4-mile extension of the Metrorail system from the existing Earlington Heights station at NW 22 Avenue and NW 41 Street, just north of S.R. 112 (Airport Expressway), to the MIC near MIA. Completion is scheduled by 2012.

The project features a station at the MIC, providing passengers with a central transfer point to Metrobus, Metrorail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, Greyhound, tour buses, taxi cabs and an Automated People Mover (MIA Mover) that connects to MIA. Soon, passengers arriving at MIA wanting to go downtown will simply ride the MIA Mover to the MIC, transfer to the Metrorail and ride comfortably to Government Center Station. At this station passengers can connect to the Metromover, which takes them to all points in Miami’s central business district.
 
The MIC-Earlington Heights will improve regional transit connectivity, offering greater access and convenience to more riders. Its connection to MIA will reduce the number of vehicles traveling to the airport as well as on major area highways. It will also provide access to employment opportunities at MIA, the county’s main economic engine and top employer. The multilevel station at the MIC includes landscaping, entry plazas, a covered pedestrian concourse, a public address system and passenger amenities such as art work and special lighting.

The total cost of the MIC-Earlington Heights Connector is estimated to be $526 million. Funding for the project includes $426 million from the People’s Transportation Plan, known as the half-cent sales tax, and $100 million from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Construction on the MIC-Earlington Heights began in April 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2012.

For more information, please contact Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) Public Involvement at 786-469-5550 or mdtoutreach@miamidade.gov.  
You can also visit http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/corridor/mic-e_corridor/mic-e_home.asp.