Widespread Road Closures for Miami Marathon: Avoid Downtown and Beach Causeways

Major Alerts: 24th Annual Miami Marathon

Commuters and residents should prepare for significant traffic disruptions today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as the 24th Annual Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon takes over the streets. With over 18,000 athletes participating, law enforcement has implemented a comprehensive grid of road closures spanning from Downtown Miami and Miami Beach to Coconut Grove. Most closures began as early as 5:00 a.m. and will continue until approximately 2:00 p.m., though a rolling reopening process will occur as the final runners clear each sector.

Key Road Closures and Timings

The marathon route creates a moving blockade across several major arteries. Impacted areas include:

• Downtown & Brickell: Full closures are in effect from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Biscayne Boulevard is restricted between SE 2nd Street and NE 13th Street.
• MacArthur Causeway (Eastbound): Closed to all vehicle traffic from 5:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
• Venetian Causeway: Fully closed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Miami Beach: Significant impacts on Alton Road, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• Rickenbacker Causeway: Closed from 6:30 a.m. until noon, cutting off standard access to Key Biscayne during the morning hours.
• Coconut Grove: Major disruptions at the intersection of McFarlane Road, Main Highway, and Grand Avenue from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Public Transit and Alternate Routes

To mitigate the gridlock, Miami-Dade Transit has adjusted services for the day. Metrorail and Metromover operations began early at 4:00 a.m. to accommodate spectators and participants. Brightline is also running special event schedules to MiamiCentral Station. If you must travel between the mainland and Miami Beach before 10:00 a.m., the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195) is the only recommended route, as the MacArthur and Venetian remain impassable.

For those traveling to the Port of Miami, access is strictly limited. All cruise-bound traffic must use NE 5th Street, as other downtown entry points are blocked by the race course.

Ongoing Construction Notices

Outside of the marathon route, motorists on the west side of the city should remain cautious of the long-term project on SR 25/Okeechobee Road. Single-lane closures remain in effect near NW 107th Avenue and NW 116th Way as crews finalize concrete pavement work. Additionally, expect minor delays on Metrorail due to scheduled weekend track maintenance requiring single-tracking in select zones.