Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Your guide through S. Florida’s roads.
Doctor Detour answers your transportation questions.
Q: The last two times I returned to Boca Raton from Naples I got lost. After I get off Alligator Alley onto the Sawgrass Expressway, I look for the sign that says State Road 869 to West Palm Beach but now they say Coral Springs. There are no signs for West Palm Beach or the 869. Are the signs wrong or it is me? James Goodman, Boca Raton
A: Neither. There are several criteria that determine what city names go on signs.
It must be a major city, or located along a highway, or located at the intersection of two main roadways, according to national transportation standards.
If you drive east on I-75 from Alligator Alley toward the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway/I-595 interchange, there are several signs that read Coral Springs because that is a major city located on a major roadway that is closer than West Palm Beach.
There are several signs that read Toll 869/Sawgrass Expressway and at least two Toll 869 decals on the pavement to direct motorists to the correct lane as they approach the interchange.
After you have exited the Sawgrass Expressway and continue east on Southwest 10th Street in Deerfield Beach, you will see signs that read I-95 North and West Palm Beach as you approach the interstate.
Q: Could you tell me, as of 2018, if E-ZPass is accepted in Florida? Donna Neilson, Garnet Valley, PA
A: Effective this spring, you should be able to use your EZPass on toll roads in the Orlando area where a deal was
struck with the operators of the local E-Pass there.
Otherwise, toll gantry cameras will take a picture of your license plate and send you a toll bill in the mail.
There is no transponder compatibility deal between E-ZPass and SunPass elsewhere in Florida yet. Both operators have expressed interest in reaching an agreement but none has been hammered out yet.
The goal is to have SunPass and E-ZPass compatible sometime in 2019, according to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. Until that happens, go to SunPass.com for more information.