UPDATE 12/28/16 : The Venetian Causeway permanently re-opens to all motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

"On Monday, December 12, 2016, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) will be temporarily closing the East Bascule Bridge on the Venetian Causeway in order to complete repairs on the bridge.

 The bridge is expected to remain closed to vehicular, cycling and pedestrian traffic until approximately December 29, 2016, or sooner, if there are no unforeseen circumstances. DTPW will do its best to complete the work during that time, or in less.

 DTPW has been working closely with the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, as well as other agencies, to ensure that the contingency plans set in place by Police and Fire Rescue are well executed in order to immediately respond to any emergencies on the Venetian Islands.

 The Department also will be doing work on the eastern most bridge on the Causeway, but only partial street closures are expected to be set in place when doing this work.

 Anyone interested in additional information can contact Karla Damian, DTPW Public Information Officer, at kdamian@miamidade.gov , or at 786-469-5420.

 For issues related to coordination with the City of Miami Beach, they can contact Claudia Rodriguez, Community Outreach Coordinator for the City of Miami Beach, at claudiarodriguez@miamibeachfl.gov ."

This is a big safety concern for cyclists, runners, skaters, pedestrians, and scooter/moped drivers alike who use the Venetian Causeway as an alternative to the other thoroughfares. The Venetian Causeway is the most popular route among non-motorists due to the slower speed limit (30mph), adequate bike lanes, less motor vehicles, and smaller bridges.





TIP:
The MacArthur Causeway (though not a great option) is still a better alternative to the Julia Tuttle (I-195). The speed limit is 40-50mph and there are several intersections along the way which slow motorists down slightly. However, we still suggest riding on the sidewalk on both bridges (unless riding in a group), there is no shoulder on the easternmost bridge so you're basically riding on freeway. Not for the faint of heart.