| CONSTRUCTION FACT SHEET |
On February 19, 2008, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Six, began construction of the first phase of the 95 Express Project, designed to create “express” toll lanes (two in each direction) along I-95 (SR 9A) in the area currently dedicated to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. This project is the first of its kind in South Florida and heralds a new era in congestion management along the region’s major corridors. The project (Financial Identification Number 415456-1-52-01) includes the portion of I-95 between SR 836 (also known as I-395 or the Dolphin Expressway) and the Golden Glades area north of NW 151st Street. Construction will last approximately two years and cost an estimated $122 million. A future project will extend the express lanes north from the Golden Glades area to I-595 in Broward County. |
| Scope of Work |
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| Construction Phasing |
In order to minimize impacts and construction time, work is broken into two separate phases as follows. Please note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Phase 1A includes work along northbound I-95 between SR 112 and the Golden Glades Interchange. This phase began February 19, 2008 and electronic toll collection began on December 5, 2008. Although construction in these northbound lanes has been completed, there will continue to be occasional off-peak day and nighttime lane closures for maintenance and other project-related activities. Phase 1B includes significant modifications to the on and off ramps between I-95 and SR 112 as well as all necessary work along the southbound lanes of the interstate. Phase 1B began in summer 2008 and southbound express lanes are expected to be open and collecting tolls by winter 2009. Lane closures will occur during non-peak hours, which are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Friday and 11 p.m. Friday until 2 p.m. Sunday on non-event nights and weekends. Phase 1B will require shifting travel lanes on the ramps connecting I-95 and SR 112. In addition, the ramps connecting northbound I-95 to westbound SR 112 and southbound I-95 to eastbound SR 112 will be closed to all traffic for approximately one month in order to complete project-related work safely. Detours will be established during these closures. All detours will be clearly marked and off-duty law enforcement will be on hand as necessary to assist motorists. Travel lanes along eastbound and westbound SR 112, in the vicinity of I-95, will also be affected by this work. |
| Maintenance of Traffic |
The Department strives to minimize construction-related impacts to motorists, especially when work affects major corridors such as I-95. Lane closures will be scheduled for non-peak travel times except for project-related work that will require closing ramps between I-95 and SR 112. Motorists will be notified in advance of all project-related traffic impacts through media releases, public service announcements and the use of overhead electronic signs along I-95 and SR 112. The Department will provide additional Road Rangers in order to assist disabled vehicles and to clear accidents and incidents from travel lanes as quickly possible in order to minimize additional impacts to traffic during construction. The Department understands the critical role I-95 plays in the event of an evacuation. Rest assured that the contractor has a detailed Hurricane Preparedness Plan that will be put into action should the need arise. Travel lanes that can be safely reopened will be, and workers will take all necessary measures to secure the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive or to log on to www.511southflorida.com for real-time traffic information and up-to-the minute lane closure details. Lane closure information may also be obtained by calling 305-499-2391. |
| Additional Information |
The new 95 express lanes will be available for motorists to use by paying a toll with a SunPass transponder. Express lanes will be free for emergency vehicles, express transit services, carpools with three or more passengers, qualifying hybrids and vanpools that are registered with South Florida Commuter Services. Motorcycles can use the lanes for free and do not need to be registered. Trucks with three of more axels will not be allowed to use 95 express lanes and will be required to travel in one of the two outside local lanes on I-95. Express lanes are separated from the local travel lanes by candlestick markers. Access points will be located at the southern and northern ends of the project only. The toll rate will vary depending on the time of day and the number of cars in the express lanes. For a detailed overview of the new 95 Express Project please call the 24-hour hot line at 1-877-95X-FDOT (or 1-877-959-3368) or visit www.95express.com For construction-related questions, contact Construction Public Information Specialist Tish Burgher at 305-499-2391. |
