MIAMI (AP) - The drilling of a $1 billion tunnel connecting the Port of Miami with nearby expressways is finished, but it won't be open to traffic for another year.
The $45 million drill nicknamed "Harriet" began its underground journey on Watson Island off downtown Miami in November 2011. It reached the port on July 31. Then it was disassembled, turned around and reassembled to dig a second tunnel heading back to downtown.
The excavation came to an end Monday morning. Miami Access Tunnel officials tell The Miami Herald (http://hrld.us/13beyig ) that the drill will be broken down and recycled for future projects.
The tunnel is scheduled to open to traffic in May 2014. It will give cargo trucks direct access to the port from nearby expressways, including Interstate 95.
Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com
