By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables residents concerned about speeding, sidewalk damage, and the fate of major bridge connections may find answers during the upcoming Transportation Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, July 22. The board will convene at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at 427 Biltmore Way and via Zoom, where a packed agenda highlights both practical concerns and long-term transportation goals.

Chair and vice chair elections top the agenda

The board will begin the meeting with the election of a new chair and vice chair, filling key leadership roles as it heads into a consequential period for municipal transportation planning. These roles help shape the board’s priorities and influence its formal recommendations to the City Commission.

Residents seek answers on Cocoplum bridge closure

One of the more pressing issues on the agenda is the Cocoplum bridge closure, which has drawn concern from residents eager to know what alternatives the city plans to implement. The bridge’s closure has the potential to disrupt commutes, emergency routes and neighborhood traffic patterns.

While details remain scarce, the board is expected to discuss the closure’s timeline and possible detour strategies offering a public forum for residents who have voiced growing frustration.

Speeding and parking in the street complaints surface again

Speeding on residential streets—especially San Vicente Street—will also be discussed, with residents calling for speed bumps or other traffic-calming measures. The board has previously endorsed speed mitigation efforts in areas such as Coral Way and Riviera Drive, and Tuesday’s meeting could expand those efforts to other collector streets south of U.S. 1, including Granada and Riviera.

In addition, complaints about landscapers parking on the street instead of using available swale space have resurfaced. The issue combines concerns about traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and code enforcement. Board members will explore whether better permitting or targeted enforcement could reduce the frequency of such infractions.

Swale restoration, sidewalk repairs under review

As Coral Gables continues sidewalk upgrades across the city, the meeting will address how grass and landscaping on adjacent swales are being restored—or not. Some residents have reported that city contractors leave repaired sidewalks with barren or damaged swales, prompting calls for more oversight and better restoration policies.

A proposed board letter advocating for additional public works inspectors is also on the table. The letter would recommend adding resources to ensure compliance with city policies, especially for construction and maintenance projects affecting public rights of way.

Riviera pedestrian bridge under consideration

The meeting will also revisit a proposal to improve pedestrian connectivity via a new bridge across Riviera Drive. The initiative, if realized, could bolster walkability and safety in a city increasingly focused on reducing car dependency.

Last mile transit, bike lanes, and sidewalk updates

In the discussion portion of the meeting, city staff are expected to provide updates on several ongoing initiatives:

• Citywide traffic calming projects aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and enhancing pedestrian safety.
• “Last mile” transit strategies to improve connections between major destinations and residential areas.
• Updates on sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure projects, two priority areas for residents who have called for more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods.

The board may also revisit an earlier unresolved issue: the lack of response from the school administration on transportation coordination. The board has previously sought to engage with school officials on matters including student pedestrian safety and drop-off logistics but has yet to receive a reply.

Possible tech presentation and future planning

In a forward-looking move, board members will also discuss inviting Raimundo Rodulfo, the city’s Chief Innovation Officer, to present ideas on how technology can enhance transportation infrastructure. Rodulfo’s department has led efforts on smart-city technology, and his input could shape long-term recommendations for integrating data-driven solutions into Coral Gables’ mobility planning.

Public participation encouraged

Coral Gables residents are encouraged to attend the meeting either in person or online. The Zoom link is available on the city’s website: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88181139023. As always, the meeting is open to the public, and public comments will be accepted.

For those unable to attend, a recording of the meeting will later be posted online. Citizens with transportation concerns are also encouraged to submit public comments in advance or contact board members through the City Clerk’s office.