Work Begins on Miami’s Airport Connector

5 May 2009 (Last Updated May 5th, 2009 18:30)

Work started on the 2.4-mile-long Metrorail extension from Miami’s Earlington Heights station to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) next to Miami International Airport (MIA) on 1 May 2009. Being built by Miami-Dade transit, the $526m connector will provide a "rapid transit connectio

Work started on the 2.4-mile-long Metrorail extension from Miami’s Earlington Heights station to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) next to Miami International Airport (MIA) on 1 May 2009.

Being built by Miami-Dade transit, the $526m connector will provide a “rapid transit connection to the airport for the millions of visitors, residents and workers who travel to and from MIA every year,” according to MDT director Harpal Kapoor.

The greater part of the $526m project is funded from half-penny tax and additional $100m is being given by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

MIA, to become a central transportation hub, will link Metrorail, bus, tri-rail, Amtrak and car rental services.

The Metrorail connector is expected to open in 2012.