In an effort to cut through the notorious traffic jams of South Florida, Broward County is pushing forward with the Port Everglades Bypass Road project. This $55 million construction, which commenced on May 1, promises a smoother commute around Fort Lauderdale's bustling port area. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week to mark the beginning of the anticipated project, which looks to improve access to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and Fort Lauderdale Beach, according to a report by NBC Miami.
At the center of the update is a new bypass road, designed to extend from the intersection of U.S, 1 and State Road 84 to Eisenower Boulevard and Southeast 20th Street. Not just a local convenience, the effort emerges as a strategic economic move, aiming to reduce congestion at U.S. 1 and Southeast 17th Street Causeway. Lamar Fisher, Broward County Commissioner for District 4, conveyed to NBC Miami the community's anticipation. "Our folks who live in Harbordale and Harbor Beach, they've been thirsty for this for so long," Fisher said. The road will feature a one-mile stretch with no traffic lights or stop signs, and an elevated section of 1,300 feet just for cars, separating local and port traffic.
Broward County motorists and residents have mixed feelings about the new roadway's potential impact. While some see it as a necessary improvement for local congestion, others are skeptical about its effectiveness, particularly for beach-related traffic. In a statement obtained by NBC Miami, driver Jud Black mentioned, "I think anything that helps the traffic, specifically this intersection right here on U.S. 1 and Southeast 17th Street is pretty bad." In contrast, long-time resident Burke Mooney shared with NBC Miami his reservations. "I think it's too late. I don't see what it's going to do for this particular intersection which is beach traffic primarily," he said.
The project, which is not expected to be completed until late November 2025, represents a partnership funded by the state gas tax, Broward's penny surtax, the enterprise fund through Port Everglades, and a grant agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation and Broward County. The bypass road will not only provide a direct route to the convention center and an upcoming Omni hotel, but it is also seen as a step towards a future seamless connection between Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Hoodline mentioned the April 29 event, where Broward County Vice Mayor Beam Furr among other county dignitaries, marked the commencement of this bringing relief to the area's dense traffic.
