Miami Gardens toll plaza prior to relocation.

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is working to ensure that the turnpike system safely and efficiently meets the needs of drivers throughout the state. At the system’s south entrance, Parsons is helping the Turnpike Enterprise deliver on this goal through relocating the Miami Gardens Toll Plaza.

The plaza is being moved to separate it from the Turnpike’s interchange with an interstate highway. Parsons is designing the new toll plaza to accommodate both functional and aesthetic goals. The new design will make operations safer and faster while providing an innovative signature gateway to the Turnpike system.

The roadway is designed to reduce the traffic weaving that creates congestion and safety concerns as vehicles approach and exit the toll plaza. There are six lanes in each direction (three express and three cash):

• Drivers using SunPass, an electronic debit system, use express lanes where they drive through the plaza at normal freeway speeds.
• Drivers paying cash exit the freeway to safely accommodate their longer stop and any associated congestion.

A signature overhead structure encompasses the conventional toll plazas on each side while functioning as a walkway and a gantry for the express lane electronic equipment.

Other design elements have been coordinated with the City of Miami Gardens, which has many examples of Miami Modern architecture that was popular in the area following World War II. Parsons collaborated with the city concerning aesthetic treatments visible from a city recreational facility on the west side of the project, and we are incorporating the special aesthetic treatments they selected for the Turnpike bridge over Miami Gardens Drive.

• Designing the roadway, drainage, lighting, and signage
• Designing the bridge and noise wall structures
• Designing traffic control

Design is proceeding on an accelerated schedule for completion this fall, in order for construction of the new toll plaza and improvements to be available for the 2010 Super Bowl in Miami. Our post-design support activities will continue until construction is finished.

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise selected Parsons based on our ability to meet technical requirements while providing a world-class, innovative transportation design worthy of gateway status. Our team is delivering solutions to maximize the safety and capacity of existing infrastructure.

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