Florida is planning to add "toll lanes" to a portion of highway I-95 that stretches between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Currently, one lane in each direction is reserved for high occupancy vehicles (HOV) during traffic rush hours. This HOV lane has not reduced congestion as much as has been hoped because drivers still continue to make the trip alone.

It is beloved that converting this stretch of the highway to four free lanes and two "toll lanes" in each direction will have a much greater impact. All drivers who are willing to pay the toll will be allowed to use the lanes.

The cost of using the toll lanes will vary with the volume of traffic. Electronic signs will give the rate at any given time and an estimate of the time-savings. Visitors to the area will need to know that a Sun Pass transponder will be required for payment of the tolls. Sun Pass transponders are currently used by Floridians to prepay tolls when traveling on existing toll roads.

The state has been awarded a federal grant of $62.9 million and will begin the conversion in the very near future. The expected completion date of the conversion is June 2009 and the projected cost is $248 million.



Author URL: http://www.anddna.com