Expert Realty - South Florida Real Estate Blog » 95 Express Lane

95 Express Lane Success – Miami Traffic Improved

Katyanne — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 05:46:23 +0000

It has been over a month now that the tolls began on the Northbound 95-Express lane, and it seems to have been making progress. Those who witnessed the begining of the placement of the diving sticks for the lane certainly remember the confusion many drivers faced if they accidentally got stuck inside the express lane, which does not let you out until the Golden Glades Interchange. Many drivers were trying to weave out of the dividers, causing perhaps even more congestion than that which existed before.

But regardless of the mishaps, officials had remained hopeful that the express lane would still be a success. And so far, it has many commuters seeing improvements. Some normally 50 minute commutes had been reduced to 30 or even 20 minutes by taking the express lane!

And now, instead of wondering how long they will be sitting in traffic, drivers will ask themselves how much is it worth? Tolls vary between .25 cents and $1.75 normally, however can go as high as $6.20 during extremely congested times. The rate fluctuates depending upon traffic and the price is indicated at the start of the lane before entering.

No More Free Ride – 95 Express Lane Tolls Begins!

Katyanne — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:00:45 +0000

The 95 Express lane started off with a rocky start this year. Confusion seemed to be wide-spread regarding where the express lane would end, who could get on, how to get off…and so on. There were numerous accidents on the first day the lane was opened. The lane had always been there, the only difference made was the small dividing sticks that separated the lane from the regular traffic. Those who were accustomed to taking this lane and exiting whenever they please were put in much distress once they realized they could not exit until the Golden Glades. And many of these drivers ignored the caution signs that were blinking “No Exit Until Golden Glades.” And so the horror began. Drivers trying to exit between the small lane dividers, thinking they would be averting the disastrous long route they had not intended to take, instead found themselves involved in a high speed crash as oncoming traffic would plummeted towards them.

But, that aside, the 95 Express was intended to relieve traffic, not create more confusion and accidents. And as time has passed, drivers have become more accustomed to the lane and its purpose. Once the Department of Transportation had confirmed that the lane could work, preparation to increase its effectiveness had begun. Drivers will soon be asking themselves, “How much am I willing to pay to get out of this traffic?” The 95 Express toll will be a fluctuating toll, and will depend on the level of congestion. Reportedly it will range from .25 to $2.65, and possibly more than $6 during unusually congested times. But for those that are used to driving rush hour in Miami may ask themselves, when is it not unusually congested?

The toll is completely automated, so in order to use it you must have a Sunpass meter in your car. Motorcycles, certain hybrid vehicles, and registered vanpools or carpools will be exempt from the tool. The 95 Express website provides more information on how to register your vehicle.

The Department of Transportation has high hopes that this lane will not only provide an alternate option for drivers stuck in traffic, but also help alleviate the current traffic that builds up on 95. Anyone that plans on using the lane should be aware that you cannot exit prior to the Golden Glades Interchange, and even if you find yourself mistakenly in the lane, you must continue until the end.

Friday, December 5th, marked the first day that tolls will began for the new lane, so from now on have your Sunpass ready, and be prepared to pay the price to skip the traffic on 95!

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE – “HOT ON THE 95-EXPRESS”

admin — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:48:00 +0000

We’ve all done it, and the State of Florida figures we’ll continue, so now we’re going to have to pay to Live Life in the Fast Lane.

Miami Herald released Monday that the Florida Department of Transportation plans to use the HOV lane on I-95, as a “variably-priced” express lane from downtown Miami to I-595, and call it the “95 Express.”

Depending on how long of a stretch you use the HOV lane (now toll lane) while traveling during one commute on I-95, or at what time of day (during heavy traffic or not) you use it, there will be a fee tied to that use.

Through the use of a system of high tech “restriping,” the HOV lanes will magically turn into HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes for everybody but express transit buses and three-or-more passenger vehicles.

According to the article, we’ll get 4 lanes on I-95 for free and 2 barrier-separated lanes for “95 Express.”

People will benefit from 95 Express expecially around Aventura and North Miami.

For now it’s just a plan, as they have to build the barriers, restripe the road, and hook up adjusting costs to SunPass, which currently has 3 million users. According to DOT reps, the southbound express lanes won’t be ready until October 2008 because a bridge on FL 112 needs updating.

So first, we’ll actually be going a little slower.