TRANSPORTATION

Palmetto Express Lanes - Project Summary

This project consists of the implementation of tolled express lanes along the SR 826/Palmetto Expressway from Flagler Street to NW 154th Street and along I-75 from SR 826/Palmetto Expressway to NW 170th Street in Miami-Dade County. The project is approximately 13 miles in length and will provide continuity to the I-75 Express Lanes project currently under study by FDOT District Four, from NW 170th Street in Miami-Dade County to I-595 in Broward County.

The purpose of the project as envisioned in the emerging South Florida Express Lanes network is to improve mobility, relieve congestion, provide additional travel options, accommodate future growth and development in the region, enhance emergency evacuation, and improve system connectivity between key limited access facilities in South Florida: SR 826, I-75, SR 924, Florida's Turnpike, I-595, and the Sawgrass Expressway.

Tolled express lanes will be incorporated along the study corridor with moderate widening of the SR 826/Palmetto Expressway mainline. The proposed express lanes along the Palmetto Expressway will be physically separated with plastic poles from the local traffic lanes. The express lanes along I-75 will be constructed in the median. It is anticipated that the project will be contained within the existing public right-of-way. Overall improvements under consideration include:

• One to two tolled express lane in each direction along the Palmetto Expressway, from Flagler Street to NW 154 Street and one tolled express lane in each direction along I-75 from the Palmetto Expressway to NW 170 Street
• Construction of a new flyover connecting the SR 826/Palmetto and I-75 express lanes.
• Access points to/from the express lanes system at the following strategic locations.
• Ramp Metering at all entrance ramps along the Palmetto Expressway
• Installation of noise barrier walls at specific locations along I-75
• New landscape along I-75

The project is currently under the Project Development and Environment phase with anticipated Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA) in December 2012. Construction is anticipated to start in January 2014 and end in 2018.

The preliminary construction cost estimate is approximately $275 million. The Department will deliver this project as Design-Build.

PROCUREMENT

The Financial Management Number for the I-75/Palmetto Express lanes project in Miami-Dade County is 432687-1-52-01.

Express Lanes is an innovative, lower-cost alternative to traditional highway construction that offers a variety of options for managing congestion. The project creates new choices for consistent and dependable travel throughout the day and particularly during rush hours. Congestion pricing within the express lanes limits the number of vehicles using them and keeps traffic flowing. Not all drivers will choose to use the express lanes all the time, but since some drivers may, congestion in the regular lanes will be reduced. Dedicated Express Lanes staffing at the Transportation Management Center (TMC) will monitor traffic activity and facilitate quick response to incidents along the entire corridor.