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Month: May 2024

Central Florida expressways will let you drive on the shoulder

Central Florida expressways will let you drive on the shoulder

A first-of-its-kind approach to managing congestion in Florida will debut this summer on a pair of Central Florida expressways with the goal of helping motorists escape traffic jams more easily.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority announced last week that flex lanes are coming to State Road 417 and State Road 429. Flex lanes allow drivers to pass accidents on the shoulder when overhead signs signal the lanes are open, according to CFX.

CFX is the state agency that oversees the transportation network connecting Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

A red X signals the lane is closed, a green arrow means it’s open and a yellow X indicates it’s about to open or close. CFX has already added 55 overhead flex lane sign gantries along SR 417 between International Drive and State Road 528. SR 429 has 31 overhead sign gantries from Tilden Road to State Road 414.

Flex lanes are the agency’s latest attempt to ease congestion generated by the large number of tourists traveling to and from theme parks along with the growing number of Central Florida residents. SR 417 and 429 are also being widened, and the flex lanes are being added as that happens. read more