Watch CBS News

Parts Of I-595 Express Project Finished Ahead Of Schedule

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A $1.2 billion makeover of I-595 is moving right along, in fact parts are the project have been completed ahead of schedule.

On Thursday, leaders of the -595 Express Project Team and officials with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) talked about their accomplishments.

In less than two years, crews have completed westbound braided ramps at Pine Island Road, westbound braided ramps between Davie Road and University Drive, a direct connect ramp to the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike, a direct ramp from southbound SR 7 / US 441, a direct ramp from westbound I-595 / SR 84, a ramp from westbound I-595 / SR 84 to the southbound lanes of the Turnpike and made westbound SR84 one continuous road.

"It is amazing that the team has been able to open SR 84 westbound over a year early. This will increase the number of travel lanes for westbound traffic in one of the most congested areas of the corridor," said FDOT District Secretary James A. Wolfe.

In addition to reducing congestion, the project has provided much-needed jobs.

"Within the I-595 partnership, there are over 150 local firms employing 2,500 people," said Wolfe.

The I-595 Express Corridor Improvements Project began in February 2010.  The project consists of the reconstruction of the I-595 mainline from the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway interchange to the I-595/I-95 interchange on I-595 for 10.5 miles and from Peters Road to Griffin Road on Florida's Turnpike for 2.5 miles for a total project length of 13 miles.

The project includes the reconstruction of the Turnpike Interchange, the addition of auxiliary lanes on the I-595 mainline, the addition of braided ramps and bypass ramps between SR 84 and I-595, and a new reversible express lanes system in the I-595 median.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.