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$93 Million Florida Keys Overseas Highway Has Opened

Associated Press Photo

The first cars crossed the new Jewfish Creek Bridge on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway in Key Largo after Thursday’s dedication ceremony.

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The Associated Press

Published: May 23, 2008

KEY LARGO - A $93 million bridge at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway opened Thursday evening, part of a project to connect the roads to allow quicker evacuations and combat aggressive driving.

Officials routed traffic on the new 65-foot-high Jewfish Creek Bridge following an evening dedication ceremony. The occasion marks the halfway point of a six-year, $300 million project to build a new connector road, known as the 18-mile Stretch, from the South Florida mainland to Key Largo and the Keys.

Only the northbound section of the bridge will open now, but traffic will flow in both directions. The southbound lane should open in October and the rest of the bridge project, including the dismantling of an antiquated drawbridge and the removal of a short land causeway, should be completed in 2009.

When completed, the project is to feature one travel lane in each direction, divided by a concrete median barrier.

"This will solve a lot of the issues we have with aggressive driving," said Captain Don Hiller of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. "The concrete barrier will alleviate head-on collisions that we've had in the past."

The median and bridge walls are painted Belize blue, a color suggested by marine artist Wyland. Other enhancements include outside shoulders and berms to prevent road pollutants from washing into Florida Bay. Box culverts under the road will permit crossings for aquatic animals and elimination of the causeway that bisects Lake Surprise to restore natural water flow to Florida Bay.

The project is designed so a temporary second northbound lane can be added to accommodate additional traffic if the Keys are evacuated for a hurricane.

"The new road and bridge not only bolsters vehicular safety, but also enhances the visual experience when driving to the Keys," said Jackie Harder, president of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. "Coming to the top of the Jewfish Creek Bridge you're going to see the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Florida Bay."

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