12/25/07

A Seamless Connection from Interstate 75 to Ft. Lauderdale

Constructed in 1988, Interstate 595 in Ft. Lauderdale is a connector highway that links Interstate 75 and the Sawgrass Expressway (FL Toll 869) with Interstate 95 as well as downtown Ft. Lauderdale and the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).  The highway was constructed at about the same time Interstate 75 was being constructed southward to its southern national terminus at the Palmetto Expressway (FL 826) in Hialeah just outside Miami.  Around this same time Interstate 75 as it crosses the Alligator Alley (which was FL 84 at the time) was being upgraded from a then-dangerous two lane highway to a safer four lane highway that meets interstate standards.

Interstate 595's eastern terminus is not only at US 1, but also at the entrance to Port Everglades as well as direct access to the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport via a system of low-speed ramps; this arrangement enables travelers catching flights from FLL to do so without encountering a traffic light on the way (don't forget, you got that delay at the security checkpoint at the terminal!).  Having this setup is reminiscent of Interstate 195 and its connection to the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) in Maryland.

However, I believe that the highway number should have received an I-x75 designation rather than an I-x95 designation as the highway begins with its western terminus at Interstate 75.  Florida already has three I-x75 designations, Interstate 275 in the Tampa Bay area and Interstates 175 and 375 in downtown St. Petersburg with room to spare for more I-x75 designations.  Moreover, the highway does not end at but rather crosses Interstate 95 with an impressive stack level interchange.  However, it's the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in conjunction with the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that makes the decision as to route number assignment on our nation's interstate highways.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as we cruise on Interstate 595 from Interstate 75 to the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  All the pictures you see here are facing eastbound on Interstate 595 unless otherwise noted.

Interstate 595 Pictures

Perspective from Interstate 75 southbound at Exit 19 announcing the upcoming junction of Interstate 595 and FL Toll 869

Eastbound on Interstate 595 as we go through the massive stack interchange of Interstate 75 and FL Toll 869

Perspective from Interstate 75 northbound at Exit 19 announcing the upcoming junction of Interstate 595 and FL Toll 869 in 1-1/2 miles

Just a reminder for you motorists headed northbound on Interstate 75 to St. Petersburg and Tampa:  You have the Alligator Alley ahead of you with a toll coming up in a short while.

At the exit for Interstate 595 and FL Toll 869 on Interstate 75 north.  Check out the three lanes each per overhead sign.

At the split for Interstate 595 east towards Ft. Lauderdale while FL Toll 869 takes you to Coral Springs and West Palm Beach via a connection to Interstate 95 at SW 10th Street.

Exit 1B (the exit tab is missing probably due to damage from Hurricane Wilma back in 2005), FL 823/Flamingo Road.

Signage on westbound Interstate 595 for Exit 1B, FL 823/Flamingo Road and Exit 1A, SW 136th Avenue.

Exit 1A, SW 136th Avenue on Interstate 595 westbound.  This sign is unusual because of the text message for FL 84 (SR 84) rather than a Florida state route shield.  After all, Florida DOT sign specifications call for the Florida state route shield to be on all guide signage.

Exit 2, Hiatus Road

Exit 3, Nob Hill Road and advance signage for Exit 4, Pine Island Road

Final signage for Exit 4, Pine Island Road

Exit 5, FL 817/University Drive.  You can reach a myriad of colleges and universities from this exit.

Advance signage for Exit 8A, Florida's Turnpike coming up in 2-1/4 miles.  Have your SunPass ready if you go onto the turnpike (you can also pay cash too).

Exit 7, Davie Road coming up in 1/2 mile.  Notice the right lane exit drop here.

Exit 8A, Florida's Turnpike and Exit 8B, US 441 is just around the corner.

Exit 8B, US 441 and advance signage for Exit 9, FL 84 eastbound/Marina Mile Boulevard.

Exit 10A, Interstate 95 north to West Palm Beach and Exit 10B, Interstate 95 south to Miami is coming up in 3/4 mile and 1-1/2 miles respectively.  Also notice the electronic variable message sign similar to the electronic message signage being installed on Interstate 275 from 54 Av N (Exit 26) in St. Petersburg to north of Bearss Avenue (Exit 53) in Tampa.

Interstate 95 is just around the corner.  Those headed to the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and/or Port Everglades are advised to remain on Interstate 595 east.

Final opportunity to exit onto Interstate 95 north while Interstate 95 south is coming up in 1/2 mile.

Final opportunity to exit onto Interstate 95 south if you are headed to Miami.

Our last exit on Interstate 595 is approaching, and that's Exit 12, US 1 to downtown Ft. Lauderdale and the airport coming up in 1/2 mile.

At the split for Exits 12A and 12B, US 1.  US 1 southbound takes travelers to Dania Beach which is south of the airport.  Those headed to the airport do not even have to make contact with US 1 as there is a direct ramp connection to the parking levels as well as the arriving and departing flight levels.  On the other hand, travelers headed to downtown Ft. Lauderdale or Port Everglades should follow Exit 12B.

US 1 and the eastern terminus of Interstate 595.  Port Everglades is straight ahead while US 1 north is reached by a ramp.

Entrance to the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and its arriving and departing flight levels.  This is to demonstrate how easy it is to access FLL from Interstate 595.

Exiting the airport terminal for a seamless connection to Interstate 595 westbound as well as Port Everglades, US 1 and Interstate 95.

Exit for Port Everglades as this is the beginning of Interstate 595 westbound.

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