PortMiami Tunnel

The PortMiami Tunnel is a transformative infrastructure project that enhances connectivity between PortMiami—a vital cargo and cruise hub—and the mainland city of Miami. Featuring twin tunnel tubes, each 3,900 feet long and 41 feet in diameter, the tunnels run 120 feet beneath Biscayne Bay, linking the Port to Watson Island and the MacArthur Causeway. The overall project scope also includes roadway enhancements on Dodge and Watson Islands and bridge widening along the MacArthur Causeway.

Beyond engineering excellence, this project reflects a bold integration of infrastructure and design. ArquitectonicaGEO served as the Landscape Architect, the Design Architect of the tunnel portals, and the Graphic Designer for the tunnel interior, bringing a cohesive and elevated aesthetic vision to every interface of the user experience.

At the surface, the tunnel portals were carefully designed to be both functional and iconic, acting as visual thresholds to a major infrastructural system. The landscape surrounding these portals introduces resilient, native planting and sustainable stormwater strategies to soften the infrastructure’s impact and reconnect the site with South Florida’s ecology.

A native rain garden, located at the Watson Island portal, was implemented as an integral part of the green infrastructure strategy. Designed to collect, filter, and detain stormwater, the rain garden enhances resilience while providing pollinator habitat and seasonal beauty. The planting palette includes native species such as Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), Coontie (Zamia integrifolia), and Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)—all selected for their low maintenance needs, drought tolerance, and ecological value.