The Florida Department of Transportation announced today that they have received a Federal Grant in the amount of $62.9 million to be used for their plans to convert free lanes to toll lanes on I-95.  These type of lanes are often called 'Lexus Lanes' as they are said to be of the most use to the rich.  The plan is to add one and convert the HOV lanes on a stretch of I-95 between Broward and Miami-Dade counties to toll lanes.  The would have to decrease the size of the remaining lanes to make room...but the remaining lanes will continue to be 'free'.  (but for how long?)

Construction is set to begin late this fall on the first phase.  Phase I will be on Northbound I-95 to State Rd 112 to the Golden Glades Interchange.  The tolls should start in February 2008.  The next phase of the project will include both directions of I-95 between I-395 and the Golden Glades (by December 2008), followed by both directions of I-95 between the Golden Glades and Broward Blvd (by June 2009).

I'm on the fence about this plan.  With rising gas prices and poor road planning that is already in South Florida, this is supposed to help?  There are some experts saying this will improve the economy...I just don't see it.  How annoying will it be to see the left 2 lanes empty...and gridlock in the 'free' lanes.  I think it's a temporary solution to a growing problem and will make the problem worse than it already is.  How is the exit system going to work?  You'll have to cut over 4 lanes?