PortMiami's Tunnel Project Complete

Federal, state and local officials headed to South Florida on Monday to celebrate the completion of the Port of Miami Tunnel, which will connect Miami International Airport and I-95 directly to Port Miami.

The project had been under construction for four years and came at a price tag of $915 million. The tunnel is the largest bored tunnel for soft ground in the country to date.

Gov. Rick Scott was present at the celebration of the completion of the tunnel, which he said would "provide relief" to Miami-Dade families as well as visitors to the area.

"As we work to create even more jobs for the next generation, investing in our ports is key to our success," said the governor. "Florida ports already generate more than 680,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than $96 billion in total economic value, and those opportunities are going to continue to multiply. We are here today to celebrate all of the opportunities the Port of Miami Tunnel will bring to the state.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he was pleased to see the final outcome of the project.

"The tunnels will improve the flow of traffic in our bustling downtown area and keep the port on its upward trajectory. Im thankful Gov. Scott recognizes the value of PortMiami to the creation of jobs and the role it plays in creating opportunities for the future of Miami and all of South Florida.