Sunshine Sentinel

As a result of the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Improvement and Pedestrian Plaza Project, full road closures will be in effect the week of July 18-22. A critical phase of the project will require a full closure of Federal Highway (US-1) and the tunnel between SE 7th Street and Broward Boulevard from Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22.

Additionally, Las Olas Boulevard will be fully closed to traffic between SE 5th Avenue and SE 8th Avenue on Wednesday, July 20, with a contingency date of Thursday, July 21, if needed.

Detours will be in place for these closures and traffic flow in the area will be heavily impacted. Vehicles traveling north- and southbound will be routed to SE 3rd Avenue, with alternate routes along Andrews Avenue and SW 4th Avenue. Those who live and work in the area are advised to plan accordingly and prepare for traffic delays.

Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Improvements and Pedestrian Plaza Project is part of a $28.4 million construction effort to rehabilitate the tunnel to meet standards for safety and structural integrity. In addition, a tunnel top pedestrian plaza will create a livable community and enhance Las Olas Boulevard, and Federal Highway will see overall improvements for safety and mobility.

Traffic Impacts

• Federal Highway (US-1) and the tunnel will be fully closed to traffic between SE 7th Street and Broward Boulevard from Monday, July 18, to Friday, July 22.
  • Detours will reroute traffic in the area, with electronic signs providing advance notice and clearly marked signage along the detour routes. See maps for detour routes.
• Las Olas Boulevard will be fully closed to traffic between SE 5th Avenue and SE 8th Avenue on Wednesday, July 20, with Thursday, July 21, reserved as a contingency closure date if needed.
• Please follow posted signs and drive with caution while workers are present.

Proactive Steps the City Is Taking to Ease the Congestion

• Executing a public outreach campaign and working with our partners to spread the word as far and wide as possible. 
• Coordinating with Broward County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on traffic and bridge operations. 
• Adjusting traffic signal timing at key intersections to optimize traffic flow. 
• Adding digital signage to make motorists aware in advance of the impacted area. 
• Streamlining the detour plan based on traffic data and public feedback from a previous tunnel closure. 
• Deploying police officers to assist with traffic flow. 

Thank you for your patience as work continues to improve these areas to make them safer, more resilient, and more accessible.

For more information about the project, visit the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project page or contact Community Outreach Specialist Daniela Silva at (786) 441-3088 or msilva@corradino.com.    

Original source can be found here.