The city banned vehicle traffic from the popular street during the pandemic. Now, transportation planners hope to make the change permanent as part of a new plan to prioritize pedestrians and improve transportation in the Entertainment District.
After a temporary experiment earlier this year, the city of Miami Beach is considering making Ocean Drive a permanent pedestrian promenade. A rendering by Chris Ritter shows the street as a single-level, pedestrian-only avenue lined with outdoor seating and green spaces. After seeing the importance of outdoor public spaces during the pandemic, the city hopes to "activate the area in a positive way" and promote increased foot traffic to local businesses, according to Jose Gonzales, the city's Transportation Director.
Even before the temporary closure to cars, pedestrians made up 62% of Ocean Drive's users. The new plan to eliminate car traffic and level the street to allow for more outdoor seating areas will enhance existing uses and move forward the city's 2016 Transportation Master Plan, which called for prioritizing pedestrian traffic on Ocean Drive and moving freight and transit to Collins and Washington Avenues. The plan also looks at long-term solutions for emergency vehicle access, delivery and valet services, and improved bike and transit infrastructure on adjacent streets.
FULL STORY: Rendering Show How Ocean Drive Would Look If It Was Rebuilt As A Pedestrianized Street
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Pedestrians Briefly Take Back Miami Beach's Ocean Drive
Miami Beach reopened Ocean Drive to vehicles earlier this year at the request of hotel owners. So many pedestrians showed up to the famous street on a weekend earlier this month, however, that cars were blocked once again.
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