FAQ

The MPath is a paved multi-use trail in Miami-Dade County (opened in 1983) that follows an MDT right-of-way under the Metrorail. It crosses 28 roadway intersections and connects Metrorail stations. During The Underline construction, the MPath will remain accessible to cyclists and pedestrians, though some detours may occur.

All visitors will be treated with dignity and respect. The Underline posts park rules and has 24-hour security. Members of the maintenance crew include individuals who have experienced homelessness. The park works with the Homeless Trust to refer people seeking housing or food to appropriate services.

The Underline works directly with Miami-Dade’s Homeless Trust: they provide outreach and surveying along The Underline to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services such as showers, housing or mental health assistance via partner organizations (e.g., Hermanos de la Calle).

Yes. Recognitions include: 2021 Monocle Magazine Urban Design Intervention Award 2022 ASLA NY Merit Award 2022 Architizer A+ Architecture + Urban Transformation Award 2022 AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure Design Excellence Honor Award 2022 Best Public Art: “The Allegory” by Edny Jean Joseph 2022 Honorable Mention: The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards for Urban Design & Master Plan design 2023 Rethinking The Future Awards

Yes. There is potential for expansion to other areas of Miami-Dade County. For information about bringing The Underline to your neighborhood, contact the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works at theunderline@miamidade.gov

The total projected construction cost is over $120 million, which includes: $80 million for the two trails, lighting, seating, native landscaping and other amenities. $20 million for intersection improvements (over 30 intersections). $20 million for destination parks.

The project is funded via federal, state, local and private contributions. The operations will be led by the Underline Conservancy (public/private 501(c)3). Notable funding sources: Miami-Dade County; US DOT; State of Florida; FDOT; Cities of Miami, Coral Gables, South Miami; The Knight Foundation; Baptist Health South Florida; Swire Properties; Florida Power & Light; The Miami Foundation; Health Foundation of South Florida; Mitchell Wolfson Foundation.

Yes. Friends of The Underline is a 501(c)3 non-profit and their most recent financials can be found on GuideStar.

Donations support the mission of Friends of The Underline and the Underline Conservancy (both 501(c)3). Tax-deductible donations support operations, maintenance, programs; larger donations can be directed to naming and sponsorship of amenities, programs and art.

You can donate online through the website or send a check made out to Friends of The Underline to: Friends of The Underline 1800 SW 1st Ave., Suite 504 Miami, FL 33129 For questions contact: Charlie Giaimo at 305-603-9895 or charlie.giaimo@theunderline.org

Phase 2 is approximately 2.14 miles of improvements running parallel or below the Metrorail from SW 19th Avenue to SW 13th Street.

Construction began Monday, August 30, 2021 and the completion date was March 2024.

Yes. Lane closures along US1 from Vizcaya Station to SW 19th Avenue will occur and pedestrians/bicyclists may be detoured from the current M-Path into local streets. Every effort is made to minimize impacts to residents, transit riders, businesses, and motorists.

For Phase 2, more than 800 new native trees will be added to improve nature, climate and visitor experience. The trees being removed were evaluated for health, safety, clearances from the Metrorail, and conflicts with paths. The project is adding many more trees and native vegetation than it removes.

In that area, trees are being removed to allow more lighting (for safety) and to install native trees/shrubs (Gumbo Limbo, Dade County Pine) that better support the ecosystem, visibility, and bike/pedestrian paths. A certified arborist oversaw the evaluation.

When the 10 mile Underline is completed, the linear park and urban trail will feature amenities including butterfly gardens, dog parks, exercise equipment, basketball courts, mini-soccer pitches, performance areas and temporary and permanent art. To serve users of all ages, The Underline will feature numerous health and wellness, meditation, cultural, educational and environmental programs.

Yes. Our partner Hotwire Communications will provide free WiFi at amenity areas along The Underline.

Yes. The Underline’s Brickell section includes public restrooms provided and managed by the Downtown Development Authority, located at the south entrance of the Urban Gym on SW 1st Ave between SW 8th and SW 7th Streets.

Yes — The Underline is pet-friendly. Pets must be on a leash and you must use the bags at pet waste stations to pick up after your animal.

Miami-Dade County is one of the most dangerous places to walk and bike in the country. The Underline will be a 10-mile off-road, protected urban trail that connects to 8 Metrorail stations, will make walking and biking safe and fun for visitors and nearby residents. User safety is one of our biggest priorities so where possible, the biking trail will be separate from the walking trail. Currently, the street intersections and crosswalks along the trail from the Miami River to Dadeland are undergoing a series of improvements including: widening crossings to the combined minimum width of the bike and walking trails, 10 feet and 8 feet respectively; allowing more time to cross the street; having a “no traffic movement” period to allow people on foot and bike advance time to get into the crossing; no right turn on red where possible; and in some cases, tabled, or raised crossings. These, and other safety improvements, are being implemented with our partners from Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Yes. For Phase 1, thanks to Miami-Dade County, there is 24-hour security and security cameras. If you need to report an incident or crime, look for the Metrorail column number and nearby security personnel; or in case of emergency call 911.

The Underline applies Universal Design principles (usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation). Physical improvements in the master plan and Phase 1 design help people with visual, hearing, cognitive, mobility and other difficulties navigate.

Yes. The Underline complies with ADA requirements and accepts service animals (dogs or miniature horses trained to do work/tasks for people with disabilities). All pets must be leashed and owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets.

You can find our park rules posted on this website here: theunderline.org/park-rules/. Please contact the on-call manager at 305-603-9895 with park questions or concerns. The Underline’s trails are open 24/7/365. The Urban Gym between SW 7th and 8th Streets is open from 7 AM-9 PM.

Yes, skateboarders are welcome on the bike path, but cannot skate on the pedestrian paths, furnishings or amenities. Security will enforce posted park rules and will help direct skateboarders to nearby skate facilities.

Scooters are permitted on designated bike trails. However, The Underline is considered a “slow zone” due to its transit-connections and many users. Maximum allowable speed is 10 MPH.

The footprint for the Underline includes the land beneath the Metrorail, from the Miami River to Dadeland South. This property is owned by Miami-Dade County. Once you cross over the Miami River, the area beneath the Metrorail is owned by different entities, and becomes more complex to create a contiguous linear space.

We are currently looking at connections to The Underline including the Miami River Greenway on the north and the future Ludlam Trail on the south. These three projects comprise the future Miami Loop, 22 miles of off-road walking/biking trails. Once the current phases of The Underline are complete, there is the potential to identify more locations to continue The Underline in other areas throughout Miami Dade County.