The limits of the project extend from the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway interchange to the I-595/I-95 interchange in central Broward County, Florida, for a total project length of approximately 10.5 miles.  The project consists of the reconstruction, addition of auxiliary lanes and resurfacing of the I-595 mainline (including associated improvements to adjacent cross-roads, frontage roads and ramps), and a new reversible express lanes system in the I-595 median.

Major improvements are proposed for the mainline interchanges to eliminate friction in the outer lanes caused by merge, diverge and weaving segments along the mainline.  This will be accomplished by providing auxiliary lanes, continuous collector-distributor roadways, and braided ramps, eliminating on and off ramps by combining ramp movements, and switching the location of on and off ramps.  These improvements either eliminate the mainline weaving segments or move the weave off of the general purpose lanes.  Highlights of the major improvement components include the following: (Click links below to access the corresponding section)

      

       Select locations within the corridor have been identified for the combination of exit ramps to help decrease the number of exit points on the mainline, thus improving operations.  Traffic that exits to a bypass ramp will have the option to access the upcoming cross-road, or continue on the 'bypass' bridge over the cross-road, thus minimizing traffic and improving operations at the cross-road intersections.  

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In a collaborative effort between FDOT District Four and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, modifications to the existing configuration of the I-595/Turnpike interchange will significantly improve safety and traffic operations. These improvements include a new westbound I-595 to northbound Turnpike ramp, which will eliminate existing weaving movements and provide a more desirable direct connection.

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Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Express Bus will be introduced in the corridor as part of this project. These routes will serve major attractions in the corridor including the Bank Atlantic Center, Sawgrass Mills, the South Florida Education Center, the Central Plantation Business District, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, Tri-Rail, and Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The routes will originate from strategic locations along the corridor providing more commuting options for the traveling public.

An early Express Bus/Limited Stop Bus Rapid Transit Service will operate three routes during peak hours Monday through Friday.  Startup of the transit service is scheduled for Summer 2010, before the I-595 construction is complete. Approximately ten 60-foot articulated hybrid buses will operate on the corridor providing premium transit service with wi-fi and high back seating.
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The reversible lanes in the I-595 median will be operated as managed lanes with variable tolls. In order to manage the flow of traffic, these lanes will be tolled at varying rates throughout the day with higher toll rates during peak traffic periods.

Upon project completion, electronic message signs placed before the entrance to 595Express will display the current toll based on the time of day and real-time traffic information. 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 all toll revenues and rates.

Additionally, a host of safety features, such as barriers and gates, will keep traffic from entering 595Express in the wrong direction.

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Figure A	Figure B
Figure C   - Click image for full size version -

As part of the I-595 project, sound barrier walls at 13 locations have been recommended for further consideration in the design and construction phase. These sound barriers provide noise abatement for the 21 residential communities listed below.

To view the type, height and location of the recommended sound barriers in your area of interest, please click on the community name to view the corresponding figure.

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The New River Greenway Project, a component of the Broward County Greenways System, will be constructed as part of this project.  The Greenway will consist of a bi-directional mixed use path (for pedestrian and bicycles) that will run within the project  limits from 136th Avenue to just east of State Road 7.

For more information on the New River Greenway and the Broward County Greenways System, go to http://www.broward.org/greenways.

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