After months of ridiculous local congestion on the Palmetto Expressway caused by the installation of express lanes that took up to 3 lanes in some areas, Governor Ron DeSantis in collaboration with Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., Representative Bryan Avila, and the FDOT have agreed to a plan to reduce congestion.

According to a press release from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the plan will include the following:

– Adding an additional general-purpose lane in the southbound direction,
– Reducing the managed lanes in the northbound direction from two to one, and
– Creating an access point into the managed lanes from NW 122nd Street.

We applaud the Governor and especially Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. and Miami Springs’ own, State Representative Bryan Avila, for working hard to provide common sense congestion relief to our area.

Thank you to Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. (center) and…

Thank you to Miami Springs’ own Bryan Avila.

Below is the complete press release provided by the Florida Department of Transportation:

Governor DeSantis, Legislative Leaders, and FDOT Identify Significant Solutions to Reduce Congestion on Palmetto Expressway

Solutions identified in collaboration with Speaker Jose Oliva, Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. and Representative Bryan Avila

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – At Governor DeSantis’ direction, the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) has worked closely with legislative leaders and identified significant
solutions that meet the congestion needs on the Palmetto Expressway. With safety as the top priority, the solutions include modified access points and revised lane configurations throughout the corridor.

“Leaders in Miami-Dade, including Speaker Oliva, Senator Diaz and Representative Avila,
expressed concerns to me about congestion on the Palmetto Expressway and I tasked
Secretary Thibault with working with these legislators to develop a solution,” said Governor
DeSantis. “I’m glad that progress is being made and I appreciate the Department’s
responsiveness to legislators and their constituents.”

“The safety and efficiency of our roadways is vital to serving the residents of Florida. Today’s Palmetto Expressway modifications announcement is an example of firm leadership and smart governance coming together for the good of the people,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I applaud the work of Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., Representative Bryan Avila and the FDOT for crafting responsible solutions that will serve the community well on transportation infrastructure.”

“Improving mobility on the Palmetto Expressway has been a top priority of mine, and I
appreciate how responsive FDOT has been to address congestion on this critical South Florida corridor,” said Speaker Oliva. “I look forward to continue working with FDOT as they finalize these much-needed improvements.”

“Today’s announcement shows that FDOT and our state’s leaders have been laser focused on finding a solution to the congestion that South Florida has experienced for some time now,” said Senator Diaz. “I appreciate FDOT’s collaborative approach to solving this issue and commitment to increasing capacity along the roadway.”

“I commend Governor DeSantis for his leadership and willingness to work with us to address this important issue,” said Representative Avila. “These changes will help reduce drive times and relieve congestion on the Palmetto Expressway. We will continue to find transportation solutions and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

For several months, FDOT has worked closely with legislative leaders as well as local
stakeholders to reach a solution that would provide a lasting positive impact for motorists. The planned enhancements will include:

– Adding an additional general-purpose lane in the southbound direction,
– Reducing the managed lanes in the northbound direction from two to one, and
– Creating an access point into the managed lanes from NW 122nd Street.

“The modifications we are implementing on the Palmetto Expressway will address the concerns that have been expressed by Governor DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, legislative leaders, and the traveling public,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault. “The department’s goal is to always increase safety and enhance mobility within our transportation system, and I am confident these solutions will allow us to better serve Miami-Dade’s residents and visitors.”

The plan is anticipated to deliver a regional infrastructure network that will provide greater
mobility options in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, FDOT will begin rulemaking to reduce the minimum toll rate from $0.50 to $0.00. FDOT is in the process of finalizing the anticipated timeline for completion of the modifications and more details will be released as soon as they are available.
###

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here