MIAMI – After being shut down for the last six months, the Skytrain at Miami International Airport is officially back in business.
The Skytrain was shut down last September after an inspection found three columns that support the train near Station 1 had several major cracks along with broken elevators, escalators and bathrooms.
The airport director then shut down service in an abundance of caution.
The closure caused major headaches for travelers over the past half year as some passengers at MIA had to trek up to a mile since the Skytrain was out of service due to necessary structural repairs.
Following the Skytrain’s closure, American Airlines and MIA have provided golf cart shuttles and bus rides to assist passengers in navigating through the airport.
Three out of the four Skytrain stations returned to their normal operation Friday following a comprehensive update. It is anticipated that the fourth station will be back in service by early summer.
Specifically, stations 2, 3 and 4 have returned to their normal operations, encompassing gates D20 to D60. However, Station 1 remains pending reopening, as it is situated adjacent to gate D16. Until Station 1 resumes service, a courtesy shuttle will continue to facilitate transit between stations 1 and 2.
Following an investment of $4.2 million, stations 2, 3 and 4 have now been deemed fit to resume operations.
Airport officials said there have also been $1.7 billion worth of maintenance upgrades where 32 boarding bridges and 33 bathrooms have been modernized at MIA.
Last month, Local 10 News received exclusive access on the tarmac to see the work being done on support columns.
After repairs and testing, officials said three-fourths of the service will resume. It is unclear when Station 1 will reopen.