MIAMI — Driving alongside it, under it and even right through it -- the massive highway construction has been part of the Miami commute for years. And now, state officials say it’s going to be around even longer.

The I-395/836/I-95 project, also known as “Connecting Miami,” began in 2019 and was originally expected to be finished by 2021. But the Florida Department of Transportation now says the project won’t be completed until late 2029.

The cost has also increased, rising from about $800 million to $866 million.

“To be quite honest, it’s unsurprising,” said Cathy Dos Santos with Miami’s Transit Alliance, a nonprofit advocating for expanded public transportation. “And in the worst way possible.”

Critics point not only to the timeline and rising cost of the massive project, but also to recent safety concerns.

Construction resumed this week after being paused last month when a worker fell to his death. Earlier this year, six other workers had to be rescued after falling from another structure at the site.

As signs at the construction area urge workers to prioritize quality, past legal issues have also raised questions.

Previous lawsuits reportedly cited concerns over defective concrete and even the design of what’s meant to be an iconic signature bridge.

One lawsuit, filed by the joint venture behind the project against insurers, alleged the initial bridge design was not viable because it could not withstand required wind forces. That lawsuit was later settled.

“As a taxpayer, this being a project that is directly funded by the money that you give back to the government -- that you ask them to be good stewards -- you should be concerned about the fact that there is a lack of clarity and transparency,” Dos Santos said.

Local 10 News asked the Florida Department of Transportation to explain the latest delay. The department did not respond.

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