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!

In response to this, the City of Miami is rising to the occasion of this cycling boom by providing a safer and more efficient way of travel for residents in Miami’s communities.  After receiving calls and letters from its citizens requesting bicycle lanes, the government is planning on moving into action.

”The city requested it and we certainly agreed to it,” Brian Rick, a Florida Department of Transportation spokesman, said. “We’ll have to determine if it can be implemented once we get the pricing from a contractor.”

The target area for this almost $4 million project spans Coral Way and the South Miami Avenue to Southwest 12th Avenue and calls for the sidewalk and lighting replacement between Southwest Third Avenue to South Miami Avenue.  Expected commencement for this building project is projected to be in January of 2009.

Providing bicycle lanes in this area will significantly decrease sidewalk traffic and provide bikers and motorists a safer area to travel besides directly in the streets.  A 2006 study at The University of Texas at Austin discovered that having bike lanes improved safety for motorists, because motorists passing cyclists when no bike lane exists veer farther left into the next traffic 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.