Major Delays Expected in Downtown and Miami Beach Due to Boat Show and Valentine’s Day Crowds

Commuter Advisory: Heavy Saturday Congestion

Miami commuters and visitors should prepare for significant travel delays this Saturday, February 14, 2026. The convergence of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show and Valentine’s Day celebrations is expected to push traffic volumes to peak levels, particularly in the Downtown Miami and Miami Beach areas. Officials recommend allowing at least 45 to 60 minutes of additional travel time when navigating major arteries today.

Major Event Alerts: Miami International Boat Show

The 2026 Miami International Boat Show is in full swing today, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. across multiple high-traffic venues. Key areas of concern include:

• Miami Beach Convention Center & Pride Park: Significant congestion is expected along 17th Street and Washington Avenue.
• Downtown Sites: Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic will impact Biscayne Boulevard near Maurice A. Ferré Park and the Herald Plaza area.
• Collins Avenue: The Yacht Collection at 4800 Collins Avenue will lead to slow-moving traffic between 41st and 63rd Streets throughout the afternoon.
• MacArthur & Venetian Causeways: Expect heavy eastbound flows in the morning and westbound surges in the late evening as show-goers depart.

Ongoing Construction & Roadworks

Strategic roadworks as part of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project continue to impact the Midtown Interchange. Motorists should be aware of the following:

• SR 836/Dolphin Expressway: Periodic lane closures remain in effect for bridge work between NW 17th Avenue and I-95. While daytime lanes are generally open, construction equipment near the shoulder may cause rubbernecking delays.
• I-395 Signature Bridge: Heavy activity continues near Biscayne Boulevard. While full closures are typically reserved for late-night hours (starting at 11:00 p.m.), lane shifts are present, requiring driver attention.
• PortMiami: High cruise passenger volume is reported. Travelers heading to the port should use the Port Tunnel via I-395 to avoid surface street gridlock in Downtown.

Public Transit & Commuter Alternatives

To avoid the anticipated gridlock, Miami-Dade Transit encourages the use of the Metrorail and Metromover systems. The Metromover provides free access to many Boat Show downtown locations. For those traveling between the city and the beach, dedicated show shuttles and water taxis are operational, offering a more reliable alternative to the congested causeways. Additionally, the new commuter rail project developments continue to advance, though standard bus and rail schedules remain in effect for today's holiday weekend service.