Posts Tagged ‘I-95’

South Florida I-95 Traffic Signals

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

Today is another new beginning for Miami-Dade’s northbound I-95. Drivers will be introduced to a new traffic system on some of the busiest sections of I-95. Drivers will no longer be able to dive freely into expressway traffic. Now, they must wait for a green light at the entrance ramp to merge in during rush hours. These traffic signals will await motorists at eight different northbound I-95 ramps between NW 62nd Street and the Golden Glades interchange.

This new addition to the driving system is meant to ultimately manage congestion and ease any merging madness on this very busy Florida expressway. This, much like the implementation of the new northbound toll lanes, will require some adjustment. Drivers should pay extra attention when entering I-95 as the new traffic signals create a huge potential for rear-end collisions.

Drivers that are not used to red lights on an interstate ramp may not stop and end up rear-ending drivers ahead of them that obey that traffic signal. Florida Highway Patrols hope that, like the new I-95 toll lanes, people will come to understand the purpose of the traffic signals and adjust after some initial chaos and confusion. A trooper will be set up at every traffic signaled ramp to enforce the new regulation. Violators may face penalties including a $160 ticket and three points on their license. Ramp backups will be monitored by sensors under the ramps and expressway lanes as well as surveillance cameras. When ramps get too backed-up the sensors will signal to speed up entries. If you are traveling to Miami and you plan to rent a car, these traffic signals may not be foreign to you.

There are several like these that already exist in other parts of the country. If you want to avoid them, maybe you should look into Miami Beach vacation rentals and Florida vacation rentals which are within walking distance to many of Miami’s attractions.

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New I-95 Express, Florida Turnpike - South Florida's Main Highways

Monday, July 28th, 2008

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Florida’s Turnpike

The Florida Turnpike, originally known as the Sunshine State Parkway, is a toll road that runs approximately 312 miles (497 km) down the Florida peninsula through 11 counties, from US 1 in Florida City to Interstate 75 at Wildwood. It parallels I-95 through West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, often literally right next to it, separated by a wall. The Turnpikes mainline goes from Miami to I-75 north of Orlando.

The Turnpike is a primary evacuation route. Tolls on the turnpike cost an average of 7.5 cents per mile for two-axle vehicles but the state may suspend tolls on the Turnpike (as well as other roads in the system) during an emergency evacuation.

I-95 Express Florida

New I-95 Express lanes and Bus Rapid Transit service are being introduced in the hopes to reduce traffic on I-95 from I-395 in Downtown Miami to Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes will be separated from regular traffic lanes and drivers can choose to use them when they feel their time is more valuable than a toll price. Toll prices will fluctuate so keep an eye on overhead signage.

The goal is to keep traffic moving at a speed of approximately 50 miles per hour, while offering transit riders a seamless connection between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties on 95 Express buses. Even drivers not using 95 Express are expected to see improved traffic conditions in the general purpose lanes. Vehicles can use 95 Express by paying a toll with SunPass. The amount will be clearly posted on overhead signs. Adjusting to these new express lanes can be confusing and stressful, so I have added some tips below in order to help you get familiarized.

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Special restrictions and exceptions:

Vehicles that can use the express lanes without paying a toll:

  • Emergency vehicles
  • Registered vanpools
  • Registered carpools of 3 or more passengers
  • Registered hybrid vehicles
  • Several different types of buses
  • Motorcycles

Restricted vehicles:

  • Trucks will not be allowed to use the express lanes

Express lane tips:

  • Once you enter the new Express Lanes
    • You cannot exit until the end
    • You cannot cut through the lane markers to break out before Golden Glades.
  • If you find yourself in the Express Lanes by accident, continue onto the Golden Glades Interchange.
  • Drivers weaving in and out of the Express Lanes could cause accidents and will be subject to fines and incur points on their licenses.
  • Be alert and pay attention to all advisories, signage, pavement markings and posted speed limits.
  • Tolling on the Express Lanes will begin soon.
  • If you are involved in an accident or experience a car breakdown in the Express Lanes, pull to the left shoulder if you are able and dial *FHP (*347) on your cellphone. Wait in your vehicle with the doors locked. Do not stand behind your car or next to the lane of moving traffic.

For more information about the purpose of the new 95 Express program and how it works call 1-877-95X-FDOT or 1-877-959 -3368.

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