The Shoreline Concept Plan
Location: Rickenbacker Causeway corridor; Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Project Type: Feasibility study and concept refinement assessment
Status: In feasibility and assessment phase
Primary Agencies/Stakeholders: Miami-Dade County; City of Miami; Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); Village of Key Biscayne
Overview
The Shoreline Feasibility and Refinement Assessment is a multi-phase study intended to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed shoreline concept along the Rickenbacker Causeway corridor. The assessment focuses on determining whether the concept can be advanced in a manner that aligns with community priorities, regulatory requirements, funding constraints, and long-term operational considerations.
The study is structured to build upon existing planning, engineering, and environmental work, while refining the shoreline concept through technical analysis, stakeholder coordination, and community engagement.
Scope & Intent
The scope of the Shoreline Assessment includes evaluating constructability, environmental and resiliency considerations, governance structures, and long-term maintenance needs associated with the proposed shoreline concept. The study is designed to test the viability of the concept rather than commit to implementation.
Its intent is to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of opportunities, constraints, and risks before advancing to design or construction phases. The assessment also aims to ensure alignment across multiple jurisdictions and agencies with authority over the project area.
Key Components
Review and coordination of existing shoreline, transportation, and infrastructure plans
Regulatory and permitting assessment across local, state, and federal agencies
Technical baseline analysis, including utilities, engineering, environmental, traffic, land use, and economic conditions
Evaluation of environmental and coastal resiliency considerations
Development of updated shoreline concept renderings informed by collected data
Exploration of public space programming and potential revenue-generating opportunities
Preliminary cost implications and risk identification
Process & Status
The Shoreline Assessment is organized into a series of defined tasks, beginning with agency coordination and regulatory review, followed by a comprehensive technical baseline assessment. Subsequent phases include the preparation of a feasibility assessment report, concept plan updates, and a basis of design report.
The process also includes the development of a business plan addressing project delivery, governance, operational feasibility, funding strategies, and long-term maintenance assumptions. Stakeholder and community engagement is integrated throughout the study, with coordination meetings involving Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, FDOT, and the Village of Key Biscayne.
Reference Context
This project is documented through a Shoreline Feasibility and Refinement Assessment Scope and Schedule Overview, which outlines the purpose, tasks, and coordination framework for evaluating the proposed shoreline concept. The document positions the assessment as an exploratory and preparatory effort intended to inform future planning and decision-making.