Florida DOT wants to bypass Exit 1

FDOT wants to bypass Exit 1 ??

The $224 million Dollar Florida City By-alternative to be built by 2028, sparked opposition between FDOT and local residents/business owners this week.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) engineers held a final public hearing on a proposed design to widen the turnpike from Campbell Drive to south of Palm Drive on U.S.1 on Tuesday.

Hundreds of constituents from Homestead were at the Homestead Motor Speedway “Champions Club”, for the FDOT virtual presentation and had representatives from Staley Consultants answer any questions or concerns.

FDOT is proposing 3 Lane enhancement for both South and Northbound lanes on the Turnpike, starting on Campball Drive exit all the way to Florida City’s, exit one.

FDOT says it should be done before 2025, the Turnpike lane extension from Campbell Drive to the turnpike’s end at Florida City is to “relieve congestion” and bypass the local businesses according to some local leaders.

Additionally, a partial interchange at Lucy Street/328th Street would be constructed from donated land.

Also, a tolled turnpike fly-over constructed across the U.S.1/Palm Drive intersection would end near Racetrac gas station, in Florida City and bypassing all local businesses.

Many local business owners rely on the tourism pit stops before heading into the Florida Keys.

Both Mayors from Homestead Steve Losner and Florida City Otis Wallace were present at the virtual presentation and were opposing the bypass plan as well.

It’s a “Paper Solution” said Mayor Wallace.

Also saying: “This destructive plan is already killing Florida City economically today. How can this be the preferred plan when nobody prefers it?” Mayor Wallace

“I’ve been in continuous contact with all government representatives and I’ve never seen as many public officials from across the spectrum as united as they are on this issue,” said Mayor Losner.

Mayor Losner said, “The majority of drivers are towing boats or are in motorhomes so making engineered U-turns is almost impossible.”

Robert Moehling of Robert is Here commented that on paper the alternative plan will take 2.5 years but, “that everyone knows will take five years”. He said it’s time for everyone to ask for the address of the Governor and write letters to him in opposition to the plan. “I’ve been on that corner for 62 years,” he added, “but after this, I’m done.”

(Robert is Here) the Deep South Dade Tourist popular shake spot says it could possibly close down?

Mayor Losner reassuring his support for the residents and business owners of Florida City “When it comes to the bypass, Homestead stands with Florida City because of the hundreds of employees that live in Homestead,” he said. “I will not stand silently by while the social fabric of the community is ripped apart by this project. We truly believe there are viable alternatives to the bypass including the proposed interchange at Lucy Street.”

Are you in support for this extension or do you stand with the residents and business owners of Florida City ?

~RO