Testing delays opening of new I-75 express lanes
Drivers will have to wait a little longer before they can zip through western Broward County in new express lanes on Interstate 75, according to the state transportation department.
The opening is now scheduled for March 24.
“This will allow for additional testing of the express lanes systems,” officials said. “The reliability and accuracy of these systems are critical to providing excellent customer service.”
Testing of electronic components for toll signs is still underway. If bad weather impacts that work, the opening could be delayed further, officials said.
When the testing is complete, the new toll lanes will be activated between Interstate 595 and south of Miami Gardens Drive. That includes the reversible lane bridge between I-595 and the I-75 express lanes, the southbound I-75 express lanes to the southbound Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike, and the northbound turnpike to the northbound I-75 express lanes.
Construction continues on six other connections between the expanded I-75/turnpike interchange that won’t be completed until later this year or early 2019, officials said. They include:
Southbound I-75 northbound turnpike
Southbound turnpike to southbound I-75 and Miami Gardens Drive
Southbound turnpike northbound I-75
Southbound turnpike to northbound I-75 express lanes
Northbound I-75 northbound turnpike
Miami Gardens Drive northbound turnpike
A separate project will extend the I-75 express lanes from south of Miami Gardens Drive to the Palmetto Expressway later this year.
Until then, detour signs will direct traffic into and out of express lanes south of Miami Gardens Drive.
On northbound I-75 express lanes, there is an entrance ramp just south of Miami Gardens Drive and north of Sheridan Street and exit ramps south of Pines Boulevard, Griffin Road, and the I-75, I-595, to to to to Sawgrass Expressway Interchange.
On southbound I-75 express lanes, there are entrances just north of Royal Palm Boulevard, from westbound I-595, south of the I-75, I-595, Sawgrass Expressway Interchange, south of Griffin Road, south of Pines Boulevard, and exit ramps north of Sheridan Street and south of Miami Gardens Drive.
Unlike previous express lanes, tolls here will be charged as soon as the lanes are open to traffic. There will be no introductory free rides.
I-75 express lanes will have the same flexible toll pricing as on I-95 and I-595, starting at 50 cents. The price will rise and fall depending on the amount of traffic and the time of day. In Miami-Dade, toll lane have charged as much as $10.50.
Overhead signs will display the toll cost. Drivers must have a SunPass. Cash or Toll-By-Plate is not accepted in the express lanes and only two-axle vehicles are permitted, officials said.
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