Environmental Assessment for proposed improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange pursuant to Section 408 Available

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District announces the availability of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for proposed improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange bridges and other infrastructure on the Biscayne (C-8) Canal in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

The USACE, in response to a request from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), has evaluated a modification to the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Federal Civil Works project pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 to make improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange.

The Golden Glades Interchange is the confluence point for three expressways (I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and SR 826) and two principal arterials (SR 7/US 441 and SR 9) that serve local and regional traffic between three counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. It includes several main bridges and ramp bridges which cross over the C-8 Canal. As examined in the Golden Glades Interchange Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from SR 93/I-75 to the Golden Glades Interchange (FDOT, 2016), the FDOT proposes to make improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange bridges and other infrastructure on the C-8 Canal. These improvements include replacement of three existing bridges (I-95 Northbound, NW 6th Avenue Bridge, and I-95 Southbound) and drainage outfalls, as well as installation of a new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) subaqueous fiber optic conduit crossing and a new triple-barrel drainage outfall within the existing project footprint. The Proposed Action would include dredging and filling in 0.54 acres of the C-8 Canal categorized as Other Surface Waters (OSWs) for construction of riprap and new outfalls associated with bridge replacement activities. The project proposes approximately 3,000 cubic yards of dredging and placement of 1,500 cubic yards of fill into the C-8 Canal. Riprap armoring is also proposed to be installed to protect the canal side slopes. These improvements will enhance connectivity between the major highways, enhance safety and mobility within the interchange, improve multimodal use for transit and freight, and enhance emergency access and response time.

FDOT Golden Glades Interchange Bridge and Infrastructure Improvements on  C-8 Canal Section 408 Request Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 
Note: large files may take a few minutes to load.

Final Environmental Assessment and signed FONSI

Appendix A

Appendix B

Public Comment for Golden Glades Interchange pursuant to Section 408

USACE announces public comment on proposed Improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange pursuant to Section 408Location of Proposed Seepage Barrier Wall Extension in 8.5 Square Mile Area

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District announces a 15-day public comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for proposed improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange bridges and other infrastructure on the Biscayne (C-8) Canal in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The USACE, in response to a request from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is evaluating a modification to the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Federal Civil Works project pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 to make improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange.

Comments are due Wednesday, May 18, 2023.

The Golden Glades Interchange is the confluence point for three expressways (I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and SR 826) and two principal arterials (SR 7/US 441 and SR 9) that serve local and regional traffic between three counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. It includes several main bridges and ramp bridges which cross over the C-8 Canal. As examined in the Golden Glades Interchange Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from SR 93/I-75 to the Golden Glades Interchange (FDOT, 2016), the FDOT proposes to make improvements to the Golden Glades Interchange bridges and other infrastructure on the C-8 Canal. These improvements include replacement of three existing bridges (I-95 Northbound, NW 6th Avenue Bridge, and I-95 Southbound) and drainage outfalls, as well as installation of a new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) subaqueous fiber optic conduit crossing and a new triple-barrel drainage outfall within the existing project footprint. The Proposed Action would include dredging and filling in 0.54 acres of the C-8 Canal categorized as Other Surface Waters (OSWs) for construction of riprap and new outfalls associated with bridge replacement activities. The project proposes approximately 3,000 cubic yards of dredging and placement of 1,500 cubic yards of fill into the C-8 Canal. Riprap armoring is also proposed to be installed to protect the canal side slopes. These improvements will enhance connectivity between the major highways, enhance safety and mobility within the interchange, improve multimodal use for transit and freight, and enhance emergency access and response time.

The EA and Proposed FONSI are available for review below:

Draft environmental assessment and proposed finding of no significant impact, FDOT Golden Glades Interchange bridge and infrastructure improvements on C-8 Canal, Section 408 request, Miami-Dade County, Florida

APPENDIX A: PERTINENT CORRESPONDENCE

APPENDIX B:  THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Please submit comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed FONSI via email to Dr. Jessica Dell at Jessica.A.Dell@usace.army.mil (recommended subject: “Section 408 Golden Glades Interchange EA Comments”) by Wednesday, May 18, 2023.

What is Section 408?

Section 408 is the process that allows alteration to a federally authorized project. The proposed project cannot pose a risk to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the federally authorized project. Examples of federally authorized projects include, but are not limited to levees, dams and the federal navigation channel.

This requirement was established in Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, codified at 33 United States Code (USC) 408 (Section 408).

Section 408

Through the Civil Works program, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) serves the public by providing the Nation with quality and responsive management of the Nation’s water resources.  As a result, USACE, in partnership with stakeholders, has constructed many Civil Works projects across the Nation’s landscape.  Given the widespread locations of these projects, many embedded within communities, over time there may be a need for others outside of USACE to alter or occupy these projects and their associated lands.  Reasons for alterations could include improvements to the projects; relocation of part of the project; or installing utilities or other non-project features.

In order to ensure that these projects continue to provide their intended benefits to the public, Congress mandated that any use or alteration of a Civil Works project by another party is subject to the approval of USACE.  This requirement was established in Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which has since been amended several times and is codified at 33 USC 408 (Section 408).

Section 408 provides that USACE may grant permission for another party to alter a Civil Works project upon a determination that the alteration proposed will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the Civil Works project.

Additional Information on Section 408

USACE’s procedures for reviewing requests for Section 408 permission is contained in Engineer Circular (EC) 1165-2-220.  The corresponding internal guidance related to designating a lead district as referenced in EC 1165-2-220 can be found at this link.

To view a fact sheet with additional information about Section 408 and the revised policy, click here.

USACE reviewed and considered public comment on the draft EC 1165-2-220 to inform the final policy and procedural guidance.  To view the summary of comments received, click here.