| Express Lanes (595Express) |
| The express lanes, to be known as 595Express, will significantly improve the capacity and operations of the I-595 corridor by providing 3 additional ground level lanes in the median. The lanes will reverse direction during peak travel times (eastbound in the a.m. / westbound in the p.m.). To maximize the operational efficiency, the lanes will be tolled at varying rates throughout the day to optimize traffic flow. Access to and from the lanes will only be from west of 136th Avenue, east of S.R. 7, and through a direct connection to the median of Florida’s Turnpike. The express lanes will remove long distance commuter traffic from the general purpose lanes. Electronic message signs placed before the entrance to 595Express will display the current toll rate. Tolls will be collected electronically by SunPass via a toll gantry, reducing transaction times and allowing cars to maintain highway speeds. FDOT will retain control of the toll revenue and toll rates. Additionally, a host of safety features, such as barriers and gates, will keep traffic from entering 595Express in the wrong direction.   |