Portion of elevated bridge on expressway in Tampa, Florida in 2005. Courtesy Wikipedia.

Photo of 15 mile long Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway in Hillsborough County, Florida courtesy Wikipedia and SPUI.

These pictures show a structure similar to what the Florida Department of Transportation is planning for Interstate 595. FDOT's current design calls for an elevated bridge, extending from Weston (I-75/Sawgrass Expressway) to the an area east of U.S. 441 (State Rd. 7), with limited access and egress points. A motorist could enter or exit in only two locations; east of S.R. 7 and west of 136th Avenue. According to i-595.com, the elevated toll road would directly connect to the Florida Turnpike. This bridge would be between 6-7 miles in length and add extra noise to the already loud interstate.

The new extended length tollway would be priced at different rates throughout the day, based on what has been referred to as "congestion pricing." Our understanding is the new bridge would rise at least 40 to 50 or more feet above the existing expressway at some points, and perhaps higher at other locations. For more on the financing aspect of the project, please see our discussion here.

There is at least one major distinction between what is shown above and the plans for Broward's core east-west freeway. FDOT proposes a "Transit Corridor," below the bridge and in the median of the existing interstate. Otherwise known as a "Transit Envelope," the path from Weston to east of 441 could involve a light rail transit system which will impact the height of the elevated section of 595. If the transit component is added to the project, the elevated bridge FDOT plans could be significantly higher (upwards of 50 feet or more from ground level) than shown above and will transform the skyline.

There are, as yet, few details about the transit corridor, who would be able to use it or where passenger stations will be located.

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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.

 Click picture to play video of 9.5.07 Davie Town Council meeting. More information on 595Alert.org News page.

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.

FDOT plans meeting with contractors. Click here for report.

In other sections:

St. Petersburg Times Editorial urges Gov. Crist to Veto Transportation Bill. Click here for story.

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.

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