Broward takes next steps toward train bridge idea

The Broward County Commission has given permission to start up to $2 million of work with engineering companies on designs for an eventual new train bridge over Fort Lauderdale’s New River.

It is a “critical next step” that would allow for the creation of “conceptual designs for a low- to mid-level bridge,” which would accommodate both a commuter rail system and marine traffic on the New River, county commissioners say.

“We need to continue to move this commuter rail project along, and this brings us to the next step,” said Broward County Mayor Nan Rich in a prepared statement Friday.

“This is more than just a conceptual design; it’s detailed engineering and looking at responding to other alternatives,” said Commissioner Michael Udine in a statement.

Broward County officials want a new bridge for trains to cross downtown Fort Lauderdale’s New River.

But the issue is a matter of contention with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who argues that a tunnel would be less intrusive than a bridge and less likely to bring a halt to downtown’s ongoing development boom.

Whether a train tunnel or bridge would be the best choice remains under scrutiny, and so do the costs for each idea.

A 40-foot-high bridge would cost taxpayers around $500 million, experts say. A tunnel would cost six times that, about $3 billion, according to the Whitehouse Group consultants tapped by the city and county to review the options.

But a consultant hired by Fort Lauderdale has said the tunnel can be built for $880 million.

“We’re looking at the most economically feasible way to provide commuter rail service throughout the region,” Rich said in her statement.

Without Broward County receiving Fort Lauderdale’s blessing over choosing a bridge versus a tunnel, it risks securing state and federal funding, Trantalis said Friday.

“I’m disappointed they narrowed the focus of their investigation, especially since the city of Fort Lauderdale and community at large has been supportive of the tunnel approach,” Trantalis said about the county’s latest announcement.