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Construction To Begin On SB Don Shula, Turnpike

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Traffic on the Don Shula Expressway and Florida's Turnpike is about to get interesting.

Beginning Sunday night, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise will begin construction on a new connector ramp which would allow a smooth transition for drivers attempting to access the southbound turnpike.

Officials say the ramp will eliminate cross weaving drivers experience when trying to exit at Southwest 152nd Street/Coral Ridge Drive.

In addition to the bride construction, workers will be widening the southbound Turnpike bridge over the CSX railroad, located at Milepost 18, from two lanes to three. Bridge handrails will also be replaced on that bridge, and the bridge over Coconut Palm Drive, both leading to the turnpike.

Crews will also be removing and replacing asphalt pavement in the vicinity of Allapattah Road (Exit 9) and between the Southwest 152nd Street and Kendall Drive (Exit 20) interchanges.

During the construction, drivers can expect one of three lanes to be shut down on southbound S.R. 874 and on the Turnpike between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the duration of the project.

The work is expected to be completed in early 2013 and will cost $12.3 million dollars.

For information about the project, motorists may visit www.FloridasTurnpike.com or call 1-800-749-PIKE (7453).  Drivers may dial 5-1-1 for real-time traffic information or visit www.FL511.com before traveling.

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