Authorities change color of lane markers on I-95 Express

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Officials have changed the color of the markers on I-95 Express to help confused commuters distinguish between "hot" lanes and local traffic lanes.

Workers put up 150 orange lane markers overnight between the "hot" lanes and local traffic lanes. The state hopes the new colored dividers will reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion on I-95.

More than a dozen accidents have been attributed to the "hot lanes," since they were opened a week and a half ago. "I think people panic, because they need to get to work and they just cut over and then they get in a wreck," said Julie Nickels, who uses I-95 to commute.

The express lanes were set up to whisk drivers from Downtown Miami to the Golden Glades Interchange. However, what many motorists are not aware of, is that once you're on, you can't get off anywhere in between. Another problem is that some are still unclear about where the 7 mile stretch begins and ends. "I think it starts coming off the airport 112," said a confused commuter. "I think it ends around, what is it, the interchange 144," wonder Nickels.

In an attempt to clear up the confusion, the Florida Department of Transportation is doubling the amount of flexible markers, over the next couple of weeks, to discourage drivers from weaving in and out of lane markers.

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