Secret Service joins Miami and Miami Beach police for Venetian Causeway operation with planned road closures

Intermittent restrictions expected Wednesday, including an extended afternoon shutdown at a key cross-bay connection

Drivers traveling between the City of Miami and Miami Beach are expected to face significant disruptions on Wednesday as federal agents coordinate with local police on an operation along the Venetian Causeway and adjacent Venetian Islands roadways. Authorities advised residents and commuters to prepare for intermittent closures throughout the morning, followed by a longer, full closure later in the day.

Officials said the most substantial impact is planned for the afternoon, when the causeway is scheduled to be closed at the intersection of Venetian Way and West San Marino Drive from 2 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m. The closure point sits on the Venetian Islands chain that links the mainland to Miami Beach, a corridor regularly used by residents, service providers, and commuters seeking an alternative to busier routes such as MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways.

Law enforcement agencies described the activity as an operational deployment involving the United States Secret Service in coordination with Miami Beach Police Department and City of Miami Police Department officers. The Secret Service did not publicly detail the specific purpose of the operation or identify any protected person connected to the deployment.

What drivers should expect

• Intermittent closures during the morning hours along the Venetian Causeway corridor.
• A “hard closure” planned at Venetian Way and West San Marino Drive from 2 p.m. to about 8 p.m.
• Localized access constraints affecting Venetian Islands residents, deliveries, and service traffic.
• Spillover congestion likely on alternative bay crossings during peak afternoon and early evening periods.

Authorities urged motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes. Residents on the Venetian Islands were advised to anticipate limited access windows and delays, particularly during the afternoon closure period.

Why the Venetian Causeway matters for mobility and safety planning

The Venetian Causeway is not only a scenic connector but also a functional cross-bay route that supports neighborhood access and broader traffic distribution between Miami and Miami Beach. Built in 1927 and later recognized for its historic significance, the corridor has been the focus of long-term planning for bridge replacement and resiliency upgrades as officials assess safety requirements, deterioration, and vulnerability to storm impacts and sea-level rise.

Drivers are advised to expect delays and to adjust travel plans during the afternoon closure window.

Additional operational details, including whether the closure schedule changes or expands beyond the announced timeframe, are expected to be communicated by local authorities as conditions develop on Wednesday.