New River Crossing

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Existing Conditions

The New River Crossing is a two-track bascule bridge constructed in 1978. The bridge, at only 4 feet above the water level, must be opened numerous times a day to allow marine traffic to navigate the New River but remain down for both freight rail and passenger trains. Currently, approximately 60 trains traverse the New River Crossing rail bridge daily. That number is estimated to double with the addition of Broward Commuter Rail (BCR) Service. Recognizing the current challenges with the existing bridge, in 2019 the Florida Legislature directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to evaluate long-term crossing solutions over the New River.


Tunnel Project Background

The Broward County Commission unanimously passed a motion to approve the Premium Mobility (PREMO) Plan on June 13, 2023. This approval is a critical next step in improving transportation throughout the County by implementing a network of transit projects on high-capacity corridors that can increase transit ridership and enhance economic opportunities.

A portion of the PREMO Plan proposes adding commuter rail service on a 27-mile route through Broward County along the already congested Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) freight rail corridor. The segment that includes the New River Crossing (BCR North) has funding appropriated to conduct a PD&E Study and the Locally Preferred Alternative was adopted in April 2025. New passenger stations are proposed in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, and Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

The extension of commuter rail along the BCR North corridor is more complex due to the need to cross the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The existing New River Crossing bridge creates a bottleneck for rail and marine traffic and the proposed increase in passenger trains will only exacerbate an existing problem. Understanding these challenges, FDOT, Broward County, and the City have conducted a number of studies over the last few years to evaluate feasible options that would meet both marine and rail needs. Two primary options were identified, a bridge or a tunnel.

For the City, the choice is clear; a tunnel would accommodate future commuter rail service while minimizing impacts on marine traffic, adjacent real estate, and the downtown environment. The tunnel alternative supports the City’s vision of developing a world-class residential, commercial, and oceanfront destination community.

The City continues to refine the tunnel concept in partnership with Broward County, FDOT, Brightline, Florida East Coast Railway, and other stakeholders.

For more information on the PREMO Plan, please visit: https://www.broward.org/BCT/PREMO/Pages/default.aspx

For more information on the conceptual tunnel design completed by the City’s consultant please reference the April 2024 report.


Industry Day

On July 28, 2025, the City hosted the New River Crossing Industry Day. The event included presentations from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, FDOT, and USDOT.

Afternoon breakout sessions were held with private-sector firms to provide an opportunity for suggestions on procurement models, financing structures, project delivery options, and risk allocation. The feedback gathered will help inform the project’s next steps. As the City continues discussion with project stakeholders, this site will be a resource for project updates and potential next steps.


New River Crossing Tunnel – Request for Information (RFI) Open

On October 27, 2025, the City of Fort Lauderdale released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from qualified and experienced firms regarding the design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of the New River Crossing Tunnel Project.

This RFI is part of the City’s preliminary market analysis to gather insights on optimal contracting strategies and delivery models, estimate project timelines and resource requirements, and identify innovative approaches within the industry.

Please note that this RFI is not a solicitation for bids or proposals and does not represent a commitment to issue a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP). Instead, it provides a structured opportunity for industry participants to share relevant information, recommendations, and expressions of interest that will help inform the development of a potential future RFP. All submissions become the property of the City and will not be returned.

Important Dates:

  • RFI Open Date - October 27, 2025
  • Question & Answer Period Closes - November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
  • RFI Submission Deadline - December 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Direct RFI Link: Event 538-0 Summary / Supplier Portal


Project Updates

Sign up for alerts by clicking "Register" above and entering your email.

For more details or inquiries, please contact:
Milos Majstorovic, MSCE, PE
Director of Transportation and Mobility
MMajstorovic@fortlauderdale.gov

Existing Conditions

The New River Crossing is a two-track bascule bridge constructed in 1978. The bridge, at only 4 feet above the water level, must be opened numerous times a day to allow marine traffic to navigate the New River but remain down for both freight rail and passenger trains. Currently, approximately 60 trains traverse the New River Crossing rail bridge daily. That number is estimated to double with the addition of Broward Commuter Rail (BCR) Service. Recognizing the current challenges with the existing bridge, in 2019 the Florida Legislature directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to evaluate long-term crossing solutions over the New River.


Tunnel Project Background

The Broward County Commission unanimously passed a motion to approve the Premium Mobility (PREMO) Plan on June 13, 2023. This approval is a critical next step in improving transportation throughout the County by implementing a network of transit projects on high-capacity corridors that can increase transit ridership and enhance economic opportunities.

A portion of the PREMO Plan proposes adding commuter rail service on a 27-mile route through Broward County along the already congested Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) freight rail corridor. The segment that includes the New River Crossing (BCR North) has funding appropriated to conduct a PD&E Study and the Locally Preferred Alternative was adopted in April 2025. New passenger stations are proposed in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, and Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

The extension of commuter rail along the BCR North corridor is more complex due to the need to cross the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The existing New River Crossing bridge creates a bottleneck for rail and marine traffic and the proposed increase in passenger trains will only exacerbate an existing problem. Understanding these challenges, FDOT, Broward County, and the City have conducted a number of studies over the last few years to evaluate feasible options that would meet both marine and rail needs. Two primary options were identified, a bridge or a tunnel.

For the City, the choice is clear; a tunnel would accommodate future commuter rail service while minimizing impacts on marine traffic, adjacent real estate, and the downtown environment. The tunnel alternative supports the City’s vision of developing a world-class residential, commercial, and oceanfront destination community.

The City continues to refine the tunnel concept in partnership with Broward County, FDOT, Brightline, Florida East Coast Railway, and other stakeholders.

For more information on the PREMO Plan, please visit: https://www.broward.org/BCT/PREMO/Pages/default.aspx

For more information on the conceptual tunnel design completed by the City’s consultant please reference the April 2024 report.


Industry Day

On July 28, 2025, the City hosted the New River Crossing Industry Day. The event included presentations from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, FDOT, and USDOT.

Afternoon breakout sessions were held with private-sector firms to provide an opportunity for suggestions on procurement models, financing structures, project delivery options, and risk allocation. The feedback gathered will help inform the project’s next steps. As the City continues discussion with project stakeholders, this site will be a resource for project updates and potential next steps.


New River Crossing Tunnel – Request for Information (RFI) Open

On October 27, 2025, the City of Fort Lauderdale released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from qualified and experienced firms regarding the design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of the New River Crossing Tunnel Project.

This RFI is part of the City’s preliminary market analysis to gather insights on optimal contracting strategies and delivery models, estimate project timelines and resource requirements, and identify innovative approaches within the industry.

Please note that this RFI is not a solicitation for bids or proposals and does not represent a commitment to issue a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP). Instead, it provides a structured opportunity for industry participants to share relevant information, recommendations, and expressions of interest that will help inform the development of a potential future RFP. All submissions become the property of the City and will not be returned.

Important Dates:

  • RFI Open Date - October 27, 2025
  • Question & Answer Period Closes - November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
  • RFI Submission Deadline - December 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Direct RFI Link: Event 538-0 Summary / Supplier Portal


Project Updates

Sign up for alerts by clicking "Register" above and entering your email.

For more details or inquiries, please contact:
Milos Majstorovic, MSCE, PE
Director of Transportation and Mobility
MMajstorovic@fortlauderdale.gov