The opening of the new PortMiami tunnel that was supposed to happen at the end of May has been pushed back to mid-June, according to the Miami Herald. That delay could end up costing the contractor up to $3 million.
The delay comes as the contractor awaits a certificate of occupancy for the operations center on Dodge Island, according to the Herald. In addition, the tunnel’s cameras, jet fans, infrared systems and other high-tech devices will have to be brought online and coordinated before the tunnel can open.
Finally, according to the Herald, a fire drill will have to be completed and the state fire marshal will have to give a final stamp of approval for the tunnel before it can be opened to traffic.
The tunnel was officially dedicated in mid-May and the penalties for the tunnel not being opened started accruing on May 19, according to the Herald.
Once completed and opened to traffic, the tunnel will be staffed round the clock as cars and trucks use it to go from the MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island to drive to PortMiami.
