Designing Unique Arches for a New Miami Icon
HDR’s Mike Lamont Talks to ENR About Structural Solutions for the I-395 Signature Bridge
Designing a single segmental precast arch hundreds of feet tall is complex enough. But six of them? That’s no task for the faint of heart.
The I-395 signature bridge in Miami features six unique arches, with the tallest 330 feet high and 650 feet across. The project was recently profiled by Engineering News-Record, which shared updates on the complex structure and details on what makes it a one-of-a-kind achievement. The magazine interviewed Mike Lamont, HDR’s major bridges technical director, who serves as the engineer of record on the bridge. He talked about post-tensioning solutions the design team used to achieve the vision that was approved by the local design committee.
“The form of the structure is to satisfy an aesthetic vision, which is what the community wanted,” Lamont said. “It’s our job to make it work structurally.”
Three of the bridge’s six arches are now complete or nearly complete, with others in various states of progress. When complete, the bridge will be part of a much-needed larger roadway project that HDR is also leading, all designed to improve capacity in the area. It will also create a new landmark for the city of Miami, with its six arches creating a memorable icon for visitors and residents alike.
Read the whole article, “Signature Challenge,” in the August 25, 2025, issue of Engineering News-Record.
