With the Legislature ready to meet in Tallahassee for its regular session next month, two South Florida Republicans are looking to make sure there are no tolls on a major expressway.
State Sen. Manny Diaz, R-Hialeah, and state Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs, have introduced a proposal to end express lanes and make sure there are no tolls on the Palmetto Expressway. If the bill passes, it will take effect on July 1, 2020.
“Transportation and infrastructure are critical issues disproportionately affecting residents in District 36. By taking population growth, economic development, safety and quality of life into consideration, SB 1090 seeks to provide drivers with relief to the congestion on our roadways and the excessive tolls they are being subjected to,” said Diaz on Monday.
“Our residents need and deserve transportation solutions, not additional impediments. The express lanes on the Palmetto Expressway have led to significant delays in commute times and more congestion on this vital roadway. Senator Diaz Jr. and I remain steadfast in our commitment to remove policies that negatively impact our community,” Avilla said.
While there are currently no tolls on the expressway, express lanes have opened on it in recent months and the Florida Department of Transportation has plans for them in the future. More than 250,000 vehicles use the expressway every day.