$1.2B in improvements slated for I-595

DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- With the assistance of Florida's Secretary of Transportation, Governor Charlie Crist led a groundbreaking Friday on the 595 Express, a $1.2 billion public/private project to hopefully improve traffic conditions on the interstate.

"Unlike Washington, we do things a little differently here. We actually work together for the people," said Gov. Charlie Crist during the unveiling of the project.

Commuters that use the expressway in the morning or in the afternoon know that the highway can be a nightmare. There is constant congestion on the 10-mile stretch of I-595 that connects Eastern and Western Broward County. "It's crazy in the evenings and in the mornings, when it's rush hour, you know bumper to bumper," said commuter Celise Kleinrichert.

The five-year-long upgrades will ultimately see the implementation of a bisecting express toll lane that will be reversible. For example, if you are traveling west to east during the morning commute, you'll be able to take the toll road at Interstate 95. In the evening, they will reverse themselves, allowing paying motorists to drive westbound on that lane. "Number one, it relieves congestion for transportation purposes for our people and number two, it creates over 30,000 jobs for our fellow Floridians at a time when they need it the most," said Crist.

John Bennett of Baker Concrete & Construction said the company is one of the largest concrete and construction contractors in the United States. "We're very happy that we have this project. It'll keep us going with some of our people for several years."

Residents who live in the are can expect noise barriers to go up as well. "It's going to be awesome for the people driving it, for jobs. It's just a great endeavor," said Kleinrichert.

Construction is expected to start immediately and will take almost five years to complete.

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