SR 826/SR 836 Interchange Reconstruction — Miami, FL
Client
- Florida Department of Transportation, District 6
Project Value 
$559 M | Parsons Contract: $13 M
Market
Bridge, Transportation
Services
Alternative Project Delivery
Parsons (under BCC Engineering) served as the lead designer for the SR 826/SR 836 Interchange Section 5 Reconstruction, delivering a nationally recognized transformation of one of Florida’s busiest interchanges. In the heart of Miami-Dade County, this $559 million design-build project rebuilt the SR 826 and SR 836 system into a modern four-level interchange. As a result, the facility now supports more than 500,000 vehicles each day with improved safety and capacity.
Project Purpose And Regional Impact
This project increased mobility along the Palmetto Expressway and Dolphin Expressway while strengthening regional connectivity. Moreover, the design enhanced existing ramps and introduced new system-to-system connections. At its widest point, SR 836 now carries 22 traffic lanes, which significantly reduces congestion.
Additionally, the project included two reconstructed service interchanges and long-term accommodations for future express lanes and rail transit.
Engineering And Design Innovation
We developed the overall concept, roadway geometry, and final plans that enabled early completion and major cost savings for FDOT. Notably, our approach saved $276 million compared to the original construction estimate.
Furthermore, we improved safety and access by separating local and freeway traffic through collector-distributor roads and a Texas U-turn.
Key design elements included:
- 47 bridge structures across the interchange
- Four concrete segmental directional flyover ramps
- Seven steel plate girder bridges and 36 Florida I-Beam bridges
- Walls, bulkheads, and MSE walls reaching 40 feet in height
- More than 40 overhead sign structures
Construction Strategy And Signature Features
The use of launching gantries became a defining feature of the SR 826/SR 836 Interchange Section 5 Reconstruction. Therefore, we constructed major bridges without shutting down traffic. This strategy maintained mobility while accelerating delivery. Meanwhile, phased construction allowed several bridge replacements to proceed safely and efficiently.
Our Leadership Role
As the lead designer, we managed a multidisciplinary team of 12 subconsultants. We directly supervised:
- Structural design
- Signing and pavement markings
- ITS and lighting systems
- Drainage design and environmental permitting
Note: this project was contracted under the BCC Engineering name, which joined the Parsons family of companies in 2024.
Awards And Industry Recognition
The SR 826/SR 836 Interchange Section 5 Reconstruction earned widespread recognition, including:
- Best Overall Design-Build, DBIA
- Project of the Year, DBIA
- Engineering Excellence Grand Award, ACEC
- Bridge Award of Excellence, ASBI
