Interstate 595 | I595Alert.org

This website is presented by Broward Citizens For A Better 595, Inc., a non-profit corporation. We are concerned about safety, design, finance and issues presented by the Florida Department of Transportation's efforts to re-design Interstate Highway 595 in Central Broward County, Florida.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to:

The design for an elevated reversible toll road, which we believe is unnecessary in light of alternative plans for improvement to the road at grade level.

Long term corporate control over the elevated expressway, and the loss of millions of dollars of revenue to the State of Florida over a period of up to 75 years due to leasing arrangements.

First responder concerns about the elevated road, including the ability of emergency personnel to reach accident scenes and quickly transport victims to hospitals.

The creation of unfunded mandates impacting the Town of Davie in providing emergency rescue services on an elevated 595.

The lack of any specific plans for light rail or bus transportation in the mass transit component of the roadway design.

The environmental impact, including aesthetic and sound concerns, for the residents bordering the highway.

The emphasis of adding more lanes for vehicular traffic instead of instituting forward thinking mass transit systems to encourage the public to travel in ways that are more environmentally efficient and friendly.

A design which impacts the City of Plantation and the Town of Davie without any measurable benefits to either municipality or surrounding communities.

The planned access for commercial trucks on the elevated expressway and the dangers posed by traffic overhead other lanes of travel.

The process by which the 595 corridor re-design has been changed over the past few years, and the lack of communication with elected representatives about FDOT's re-design.

We are not alone in this effort. Both the Town of Davie and the City of Plantation are against the current design of the I-595 project, which may start construction as soon as 2009.

Each municipality has passed resolutions opposing the project as it currently stands. The project is already out of "concept phase" and in "design phase." Already, meetings are being held between FDOT and corporate interests, some international, to secure bids on the construction and leasing process.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has severely criticized plans for corporate control over the "freeway" in an editorial on June 9, 2007. Media attention continues to be focused on this controversial project.

Concerned Citizens For A Better 595, Inc. wants to work with FDOT, local government, and all interests to promote an enhancement of the 595 corridor in a reasonable and responsible manner. We do not seek to block smart improvements, but we do intend to speak out on plans which we feel are not in the public interest, safety or welfare.

Please visit our site each week for more information about our concerns. We welcome your input. Contact us by clicking here.

Thanks for your interest in this pressing Broward County, and state concern.

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Editorial endorsing FDOT's plan to eliminate elevated toll lanes over 595. Click here.

FDOT considers plan to scrap elevated highway above I-595. Decision expected by end of September. Click here.

The Danger of "Included Traffic" and the need to get the data right. Click here.

Preserving Florida's transportation infrastructure and the danger of "Shadow Tolls." Click here.

Obtain flyers from 595Alert.org. Click here.

Editorial and Analysis page. See new analysis entitled, "Transparency, Feedback and Accountability." Click here.

Discussion of Health Effects and an Elevated 595. Click here.

Miami Herald reports on the 595 controversy. Click here for 595Alert.org article and link to Herald report.

Commentary on new transportation bill which went into effect on July 1, 2007. Click here.

Audubon Society urges veto of H.B. 985. Click here for details.

Plantation City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing Elevated Roadway Design and urging Governor Crist to Veto H.B. 985. Click here to see 6.13.07 video. To see Resolution 9981, click here.

Sun-Sentinel opposes FDOT's plan to lease highways to companies...Town of Davie passes resolution against 595 re-design plans at its June 6 meeting. See reports here.

Click host once to play message.

Video interview with Plantation Councilmember Rico Petrocelli, posted 6.7.07. Click image to view.

Report and webcast on reaction of Plantation City Council members to the 595 redesign project. Hear excerpt from 5/16/07 public comments section of City Council meeting. Click here.

Analysis of what a corporate toll road may mean for I-595. What the "P3" means to you. Click picture.

E-mail 595Alert.org by clicking here. Please send us your comments and thoughts.

Learn more about 595Alert.org live web conferences. Join up to 14 others to discuss our concerns with the expansion project. Click here for more information.

A look at our future? Click image for Photo page.

A 7 to 8 mile long elevated lane bridge threatens emergency response time. Click here for article.

Mitchell A. Chester, Website Editor
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