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Executive Director Aileen Boucle, AICP <br />Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization <br />150 West Flagler Street, Suite 1900 <br />Miami, FL 33130 <br />District Six Secretary Stacy L. Miller, P.E. <br />Florida Department of Transportation, District Six <br />1000 NW 111th Avenue <br />Miami, FL 33172 <br />Subject: Collective Request for Prioritization of Traffic Congestion Studies on 163rd Street and <br />Biscayne Boulevard <br />Dear Executive Director Boucle and Secretary Miller, <br />On behalf of the cities of North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Aventura, and <br />Bal Harbour, we are writing to express our collective concern regarding the increasing traffic <br />congestion along 163rd Street, particularly at its intersection with Biscayne Boulevard. This <br />corridor is a vital artery providing access from I-95 to .our communities and unincorporated areas <br />of Miami -Dade County. <br />We are aware of and support the ongoing development of the Northeast Corridor project, <br />including the forthcoming train station at NE 151st Street, as part ;.of the Strategic Miami Area <br />Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan. While we welcome these enhancements to regional transit, we <br />have observed that the increased railway activity has intensified traffic congestion at the <br />intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard. The strain on our road infrastructure has <br />become increasingly pronounced, and we believe that addressing this issue in conjunction with <br />the Northeast Corridor project is ;essential. . <br />We respectfully request that the scope of the Northeast Corridor project be amended to include a <br />study of viable roadway improvements at the intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne <br />Boulevard that facilitate the free. flow of:east-west traffic while accommodating increased <br />railway usage.' <br />By integrating roadway, improvements into the existing Northeast Corridor project, we can <br />develop comprehensive solutions that address both rail and road transportation needs. This <br />holistic approach will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, improve safety, and ultimately <br />improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. <br />To underscore the urgency of this matter, we would like to highlight: <br />Economic Impact: The congestion negatively affects commerce by delaying the transport of <br />goods and services, impacting local businesses and the regional economy. <br />610 <br />