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595 Express Operations

595 Express Operations / Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

About 595 Express

1. What is 595 Express?

  • 595 Express is three tolled, reversible express lanes opened in March 2014. Only two-axle vehicles are allowed to use the Express Lanes. All users are charged a toll and must have a SunPass and an associated pre-paid account. No cash transactions are allowed.
  • 595 Express is an innovative alternative to traditional highway construction that offers a variety of options to increase trip time reliability. The project combines five proven transportation techniques which are: reversible lanes, tolling, transit, travel-demand management and technology to increase the capacity of the highway to meet travel demands today and in the future.

2. How long are the Express Lanes? Where do they begin and end?

  • The Express Lanes system is approximately 7.5 to 9.5 miles long depending on your entrance and exit points and located in the median of I-595. They are separated from the general purposes lanes by concrete barrier wall, and were designed for drivers traveling between I-75 / Sawgrass Expressway and Florida's Turnpike or the I-95 interchange.

3. Where can I access the Express Lanes?

  • There are limited entrances to the Express Lanes in each direction. Eastbound drivers enter from roadways west of 136th (i.e. I-595, I-75, and Sawgrass Expressway) and exit either to Florida's Turnpike or east of SR 7. Westbound drivers enter from I-595 west of I-95 or from Florida's Turnpike and exit west of 136th Avenue before the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway interchange.
  • *Click here to view the Map of entry and exit locations*

4. Why are access points limited?

  • The access points are limited to improve traffic flow by reducing the number of vehicles entering and exiting the Express Lanes. The facility will serve the longer distance commuters and free up capacity in the general purpose lanes for other users.

5. When can I use the Express Lanes?

  • Typically the Express Lanes will be open for Eastbound traffic on weekdays from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are open for Westbound traffic on weekdays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Express Lanes are only open for Eastbound traffic from 4 a.m. on Saturday to 1 p.m. on Monday.

6. When do the Express Lanes close?

  • Typically the Express Lanes will be closed for maintenance on weekdays from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Crews will ensure the Express Lanes are clear of any debris or disabled vehicles prior to reopening.

7. What will the posted speed limit be on the Express Lanes?

  • The posted speed is 70 miles per hour.

8. What if I get on 595 Express unintentionally?

  • Stay in the Express Lanes until you can safely exit at the end.

9. How are the Express Lanes separated from the local traffic lanes?

  • The Express Lanes are separated by permanent concrete barrier wall.

10. Who will be able to use the Express Lanes?

  • Any two-axle vehicle equipped with an active, properly mounted SunPass can use the express lanes. Vehicles with three or more axles and passenger vehicles pulling trailers or boats are not permitted.

11. Can I ride my motorcycle on the Express Lanes?

  • Yes, you can ride your motorcycle on the Express Lanes with a SunPass and associated prepaid account.

Tolls

1. How much will the toll cost?

  • The toll for the Express Lanes are $0.50 for two-axle registered SunPass users

2. How will I know the toll amount?

  • The toll amount is displayed on the overhead electronic signs before each of the 595 Express entrances so drivers have time to decide whether to use the express lanes or stay in the general purpose lanes.

3. What are my options for paying my tolls on the Express Lanes?

  • You must have a SunPass transponder in your vehicle; the Express Lanes will not use the Toll-by-Plate method. There will be no toll booths or options to pay cash on the Express Lanes.

4. Where can I get a SunPass?

  • For more information please call SunPass Customer Service at 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).

5. What if I don't have a Sunpass?

  • You should not enter the 595 Express Lanes.
  • If you unintentionally enter the 595 Express Lanes and are not a SunPass customer, please call the SunPass Customer Service Center at 1-888-865-5352 for assistance.
  • In the event that you receive an Unpaid Toll Violation, Violation Warning Letter or a Uniform Traffic Citation, be sure to respond by the due date and follow the instructions on the toll violation document.

6. Are motorcycles, registered hybrids and registered carpools allowed to use the 595 Express Lanes for free?

  • No. Because 95 Express is part of an HOV conversion program, that is the only facility in the state where these vehicles are exempted from tolls (per rule 14-100.00.4). The 595 Express Lanes are consistent with other toll facilities in the state such as Florida's Turnpike and MDX.

7. What do I do if I am in a rental car?

  • If you enter the 595 Express Lanes, you are still obligated to pay the toll. Many rental car companies offer different pre-paid toll programs for renters. Make sure you choose the right plan for you.

8. What are the toll violations on 595 Express?

  • Tolls are collected electronically, so drivers need to own and display a SunPass transponder, which can be purchased at Publix, CVS Pharmacies, Sedano's, Navarros or Florida's Turnpike service plazas. Toll amounts are clearly displayed on the overhead signs and on the toll gantry before each entrance point and are collected electronically. Per Florida Administrative Code Rule 14-100.003 Express Lanes tolling violators shall be charged $25 per trip plus the applicable toll amount.

Safety

1. What will keep vehicles from entering the Express Lanes in the wrong direction?

  • There will be several overhead message signs before the entrance to the Express Lanes to let motorists know the lanes are closed. If a motorist approaches the entrance ramp and has not seen the signs, there will be red and white striped warning gates in their closed position along the ramp. The last gate is a barrier gate, designed to stop a vehicle.

2. What is a barrier gate?

  • A barrier gate prevents vehicles from unauthorized access to the Express Lanes when they are closed to motorists. These gates are also used to prevent Express Lanes traffic from exiting in the wrong direction. These gates when closed are connected to the concrete barrier wall on both sides and are designed to stop a vehicle.

3. What is a warning gate?

  • The warning gate is designed to warn motorists not to enter the Express Lanes when they are closed to motorists or prevent Express Lanes traffic from exiting in the wrong direction.

4. What if my vehicle breaks down in the Express Lanes & I have to leave it there?

  • If you are involved in a crash or your vehicle breaks down in the Express Lanes, pull to the shoulder if you are able and dial *FHP (*347) on your cellphone. An operator will assist you and dispatch help. If safe to do so, wait in your vehicle until assistance arrives. For your safety, avoid standing adjacent to active traffic.
  • For your safety and the safety of others, your vehicle must be relocated to a safer location. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will remove and relocate your vehicle at no cost to you in accordance with Florida Statutes. There will not be a charge to remove your vehicle from the Express Lanes, however, if you do not pick up your vehicle from the storage location within six hours of removal, you will incur a storage fee.
  • All vehicles will be relocated to a nearby secure and insured facility located less than one mile south of I-595 between University Drive and Davie Road. The address of the facility is 2385 SW 66 Terrace, Davie, FL 33317. You can contact the facility directly at 954-424-8781.

5. What do the different color bands mean on the Light Poles?

  • These are used by the First Responders and Fire Department when trying to respond to an incident or locate a stranded motorist. During the development of the Emergency Response Standard Operating Guidelines, the corridor was divided into several "Emergency Response Zones" for the purpose of providing access for the Emergency vehicles. These zones are color coded. This approach will provide an additional tool for the operators and first responders to expedite incident response.

6. How is FDOT managing safety on 595 Express?

  • An extensive program has been implemented to manage the corridor that includes cameras, traffic detectors, incident response, and other measures to reduce the effects of crashes and breakdowns on traffic flow. Dedicated Road Rangers provide necessary assistance to stranded motorists and support incident management.
  • There are 5 Emergency Access Gates throughout the corridor to provide emergency vehicles access into the Express Lanes (3 in the westbound direction / 2 in the eastbound direction).
  • A Fire Suppression System was also installed throughout the project. There are fire suppression valves, which allows the Fire Department to connect their fire hose to the valve and have access to a water supply in the Express Lanes.