New Toll Plaza May Confuse Motorists
POSTED: Monday, March 10, 2008
UPDATED: 9:24 am EDT March 10,
2008
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Motorists traveling in Orlando are being warned about the opening of a new toll plaza that forces drivers to pass through two plazas but only pay at one of them -- which officials fear could be confusing.
The new addition on state Road 408 near Lake Underhill Road forces motorists to travel through the Holland East Plaza and the new toll plaza while workers build new E-Pass lanes.
Officials said the presence of two plazas could cause motorists to slow down or stop when they don't have to, even with signs marking the changes.
"We do know that it's going to be potentially confusing so we want people to stay on their game," Expressway Authority representative Brian Hutchings said. "It will be a temporary traffic shift that will be in effect until we open the new express lanes sometime in June."
Officials are urging motorists not to change lanes while traveling in between the toll plazas.
The project would make way for 55 mph E-Pass lanes that are likely to reduce traffic in the area.
"Especially in the evening and rush hour, you are going to see a tremendous difference in the reduction of backups and delays," Hutchings said.
The construction project is expected to be completed by early 2009.
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