Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Visits Broward County to Review Progress on I-595 Express Lanes Project |
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Topics: Greg Nadeau, Interstate Highway System
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Federal Highway Administration
21 February 2013
FHWA 07-13
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Contact: Kelly Dollinger
Tel: 202-366-0660
Major Project Provides Jobs, Congestion Relief
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau today joined state and local officials to tour and review progress on the I-595 Express Lanes. Once complete, the project will bring congestion relief to Broward County residents, businesses, and those visiting the area. Currently, more than 180,000 vehicles use I-595 and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) predicts that number to swell beyond 300,000 by 2034.
"Reducing congestion through the new express lanes will benefit area companies and commuters alike," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "President Obama said in his State of the Union address last week that we should both Fix it First and make sure our infrastructure attracts and supports businesses and families that rely on them, as we are doing today with these new lanes."
The U.S. Department of Transportation provided a $603 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan and $659 million in other federal funds toward a total cost of $1.8 billion. FDOT is advancing the project through a public-private partnership.
According to FDOT, there are 115 companies working on the project, currently employing more than 1900 workers. At the peak of construction, the I-595 Corridor Improvements Project employed as many as 179 companies and 2470 employees.
"These new lanes will reduce congestion for daily commuters and residents, create jobs now, and generate economic growth in South Florida for generations to come," said Deputy Administrator Nadeau.
The project includes three reversible lanes in the median along 10.5 miles of I-595 running east-west and linking key interchanges on I-75, I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. In addition, three lanes in each direction - for six lanes total - will be added to the I-595 mainline. The project will also improve frontage roads, add auxiliary lanes and improve entrance and exit ramps to minimize merge and weaving movements. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
FDOT will use federal funds and toll revenues to make payments to the private partner under a 35-year agreement to operate and maintain the facility, and they will also set and collect the tolls.