Underdeck / Rev. Edward T. Graham "Heritage Trail"

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Overview

The Underdeck / Rev. Edward T. Graham "Heritage Trail" will be a 33-acre public open space that will completely transform a lifeless infrastructure corridor into a significant landscape and actively programmed destination for residents, workers, and visitors. Located beneath the new I-395 Signature Bridge (currently under construction) and situated north of Downtown Miami, the project is within or adjacent to multiple established and merging neighborhoods: Overtown, Omni, Downtown, and the Innovation District. The open space has been designed to lessen some of the isolation brought by construction of Interstates 95 and 395 in the 1960s, which devastated what was once a prosperous Black neighborhood in historic Overtown.

The new Signature bridge highway span will be 40-50 feet higher than the current I-395 bridge. There will also be a reduction in columns from 800 to 200. Combined, these two features will create more light and open space for the open space project, which is being built by FDOT and the design-build joint venture.

For more information about the project, please click here: Connecting Miami: I-395 Underdeck and Heritage Trail

Master Plan Goals 

This project is not specifically outlined in the Master Plan.

  • 2.4 Improve Inland Connections to Waterfront
  •  4.0 Create Great Streets and Community Spaces
  •  4.3 Enhance Connectivity to Neighborhoods Surrounding Downtown
  •  4.5 Connect and Promote Downtown Parks, Open Space and Greenways

Status

  • In 2024, the $3 billion “Reconnecting Communities” federal program awarded the $60 million to Miami’s Underdeck project, a 33-acre park to be created at street level under the new elevated I-395 span being built above in a separate state effort. 
  • With a budget of $82 million, the Underdeck project depended on the federal grant from the Biden-era program, formally called the Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) program.
  • In 2025, the City of Miami City Commission officially adopted the renaming of the Underdeck to the Rev. Edward T. Graham "Heritage Trail" for the entire park.
  • AECOM is now leading the design effort in close collaboration with Hargreaves Jones, who remains a critical part of the design team.
  • The updated design incorporates enhanced public realm elements, including new color palettes, paving materials, shade structures, and a broader program of amenities such as a skate park and flexible event spaces.
  • 60% Design Development: September 2025.
  • 90% Design Development: February 2026.
  • Final 100% Structure & System Design Development: August 2026.
  • Estimated Completion: August 2028 (24-month construction schedule).
  • In July 2025, FDOT pushed back the completion date of the Signature bridge project from 2027 to late 2029, which means the Underdeck / Rev. Edward T. Graham "Heritage Trail" cannot start construction until late 2029/early 2030.
  • With that updated timeline, the project would most likely be delivered in 2031.
  • In August 2025, the City of Miami received news that the Trump administration is rescinding the $60 million Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) grant.
  • A notice from the federal Department of Transportation stated the Republican-backed legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, killed the remaining funds in a Biden grant program aimed at reversing damage done to neighborhoods from highways constructed decades ago.
  • The undated notice from the Trump administration states that Miami can no longer have the money.
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