Major Delays Expected Today as Miami International Boat Show Returns

Morning Overview: Heavy Congestion Near the Coast

Commuters should prepare for a challenging morning and afternoon as the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show officially anchors today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026. With over 100,000 visitors expected to descend upon the city over the next five days, major arteries connecting the mainland to Miami Beach are likely to experience significant gridlock. The Miami Beach Convention Center will serve as the primary hub, but traffic will spill over to multiple satellite venues, impacting travel times across the region.

Major Event Impacts: MacArthur and Julia Tuttle Causeways

The heaviest traffic is projected on the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle Causeways. If you are traveling between Downtown Miami and the Beach, expect delays of up to 40 minutes during peak morning and afternoon hours. Motorists are encouraged to use the Venetian Causeway as an alternative, though travelers should keep in mind that local bridge openings may still occur. Parking near the Convention Center will be extremely limited, and shuttle buses will be operating frequently, further adding to the volume of vehicles on local streets like Washington Avenue and Alton Road.

Construction and Roadworks Update

The massive I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project continues to reshape the downtown skyline. As of today, construction crews are focused on the nighttime installation of precast roadway segments along the I-395 corridor, stretching from east of North Miami Avenue to NW 1st Avenue. While most of this work is performed overnight to minimize disruption, daytime commuters will notice shifting lanes and narrowed shoulders as work on the iconic Signature Bridge arches moves forward. Additionally, the roadway project on SR 886/Port Boulevard is currently active, which may lead to intermittent slowdowns for those heading toward the Port of Miami.

Public Transit and Commuter Services

Miami-Dade Transit users should be aware of several recent changes that took effect earlier this month. As of February 1, 2026, the MetroConnect micro-transit service has transitioned to weekday-only operations with a new standard fare of $3.75 per trip. Service has also been discontinued in the Civic Center and Waterford Business District zones, so riders in those areas should utilize standard Metrorail or Metrobus routes. Metrorail continues to operate on its standard weekday schedule, with Green and Orange Line trains running every 10 minutes during peak hours. However, be prepared for standard maintenance windows after 8:00 p.m. this evening, which may result in single-tracking and 30-minute intervals between trains.

Commuter Tips for Wednesday

• Avoid Biscayne Boulevard and the immediate vicinity of the Convention Center if you are not attending the Boat Show.
• Utilize the GO Miami-Dade Transit app for real-time tracking of buses and trains to avoid standing in the heat.
• Consider carpooling or using the Metromover to navigate the downtown core, as surface street parking will be at a premium today.