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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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