MIA Mover APM: A Fixed Facilities Design-Build Perspective

Abstract

As part of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) development program, the MIA Mover Automated People Mover (APM) System is Miami-Dade County’s contribution to the MIC Program. The MIA Mover is under development by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD). MDAD is currently implementing the MIA Mover development under a DBOM (design-build-operate-maintain) delivery method, with the Phase I design-build components scheduled for completion in September 2011. The MIA Mover will operate on a 1.27-mile elevated guideway between the airport terminal (MIA Station) and the intermodal center (MIC Station). Under design-build delivery, fixed facility design and construction activities are interconnected. This presents unique challenges for the fixed facility design-build contractor and the owner. A relatively new procurement technique for APM systems in the United States, the design work is phased so construction work can be initiated prior to completion of the design; a foundation to roof/super-structure (bottoms-up) approach is deployed to accelerate the work. Engineers and contractors coordinate closely to address potential field conditions during the early design development. The design-build contractor and the owner meet frequently to address opportunities and constraints to expedite reviews and approvals. As with every transportation project, cost is a dominant factor. With a budget fixed in 1996, the design-build contractor developed and negotiated multiple technical and administrative alternatives to design and construct the 2008-2011 MIA Mover APM System within the owner’s budget constraints.