The Greater Miami Expressway Agency's newly opened ramps on SR 836 and Florida's Turnpike aim to reduce congestion and improve travel times
On October 23, 2024, the Greater Miami Expressway Agency (GMX) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its first major construction project. The new ramp connections between State Road 836/Dolphin Expressway and the Florida Turnpike Extension promise to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance travel times for drivers in Miami-Dade County.
The ceremony, which took place at the Dolphin Station Park and Ride, featured remarks from GMX Board Chair Mariana “Marili” Cancio, State Senator Brian Avila, and Miami-Dade County Public School Board Member Danny Espino.
Completion of the new ramp connections
The $5 billion economic impact of traffic congestion in Miami-Dade County has long been a pressing issue, with residents spending an estimated two weeks each year stuck in traffic. The opening of four new ramps marks a significant milestone in GMX's efforts to alleviate this problem.
The new ramps allow for the following movements:
- Southbound Turnpike to westbound SR 836,
- NW 121 Avenue/Telemundo Way to westbound SR 836,
- Eastbound SR 836 to NW 121 Avenue/Telemundo Way, and
- Eastbound SR 836 to northbound Turnpike
These connections are designed to provide drivers with previously unavailable travel directions, improving access to key routes across the county.
Addressing the demands of South Florida’s rapid population growth, which sees over 1,200 new residents arriving daily, is a priority for local leaders. Senator Brian Avila emphasized that easing traffic congestion is crucial for maintaining the region's quality of life and economic growth. He remarked that people were drawn to the area for both business opportunities and raising families, and he emphasized that the project was a crucial step in addressing the infrastructural needs resulting from the region's ongoing growth.
GMX Executive Director Mariana Cancio echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for proactive planning at all levels of government. She stated that it was crucial for planning to take place at the state, local, or federal level to accommodate growth, emphasizing that the project aimed to improve commuter times, which was a key focus for the agency. The GMX project, which took approximately two and a half years to complete, was funded through toll revenues, underscoring the community's investment in infrastructure improvements.
Benefits For Drivers And Public Transportation Users
The new ramp connections not only benefit individual drivers but also enhance access to public transportation. The ramps link key routes near the Dolphin "park and ride" station at NW 121 Street, offering more convenient travel options for those using Miami-Dade’s public transit system. The project aims to facilitate a smoother commute for thousands of residents and visitors, whether they are driving or using public transport.
The opening of these ramps represents just one step in GMX's long-term plan to improve the county's infrastructure. With Miami-Dade experiencing ongoing population growth and increasing traffic demands, the agency remains focused on future projects to expand and modernize the region's transportation network. The newly completed ramp connections serve as a model for how strategic infrastructure investments can deliver tangible benefits to the community.
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