In an effort to test drive the new electronic tolling signs on the major highway, state transportation managers turned on the express lanes which are presently free of charge.

According to the Miami Herald, the “testing is scheduled for 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday and during the same hours starting Wednesday night.”

Unlike the Florida Turnpike, prices will vary based on the congestion of traffic. The toll will range from $.25 to $2.65 under regular conditions and could go up to $6.20 on the worst days, the Herald said.

The Department of Transportation has yet to release an official start date for charging fees. For now, enjoy the free ride while you still can.

The home-price index for South Florida fell 28.2 percent from 2007, which is better than June’s 30.5 percent drop. This index includes Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Standard & Poors, the company that compiles this index,says that this slight improvement is nothing to phone home about. “While some cities did show some marginal improvement over last month’s data, there is still very little evidence of any particular region experiencing an absolute turnaround,” Chairman of S&P’s Index Committee, David Blitzer, said.

Issues with the housing market is at the center of the financial market meltdown we’ve been experiencing lately. Wall Street is a roller coaster and buyers or potential buyers don’t have as much confidence in America’s economy as they once did. The financial institutions that are still open are taking precautions to make sure that they stay afloat.

“Banks will probably stiffen lending rules even more in coming months to limit losses, indicating residential real estate will keep contracting and consumer spending will falter,” the Herald said.

In a nutshell, housing prices will continue to decline. According to the Herald, prices fell 0.5 percent in June and an additional 0.9 percent in July. Although we have experienced a slight improvement in the home pricing deficit, there is still a loss.

For those who can still afford to buy in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, this is definitely good news.