Daytona Beach, FL – The Florida Department of Transportation has plans to ease traffic congestion in the Daytona Beach area during Speedweeks 2016.
A 6-mile chunk of Interstate 95 southbound that’s been under construction for some time expands from 2 lanes to 3 while the Bellevue Avenue bridge that runs over I-95 in Daytona Beach will be briefly opened for traffic during Speedweeks as well as Bike Week 2016.
FDOT says the extra lane along I-95 south from Dunlawton Avenue/State Road 421 in Port Orange to International Speedway Boulevard/US 92 in Daytona Beach will stay in place once Speedweeks comes to an end.
I-95 south from Dunlawton/SR 421 to State Road 415 will still be a 2-lane road for now, but there’s now a 10-foot shoulder in place. FDOT plans to eventually turn that area into a 3-lane road.
As for the Bellevue Avenue Bridge, state officials will open it up for traffic starting on Wednesday and keep it open until the Monday after the Daytona 500. FDOT will close it again for construction and then re-open it from March 4th to the 13th when the bikers are in town.
There will be a grand – and permanent – opening for the Bellevue Avenue Bridge sometime in April 2016, according to FDOT spokeswoman Jennifer Horton. It’s been closed for construction since last June.
State officials urge drivers to stay safe – especially during the race weekend – and use 511 to find the best way through Speedweeks traffic. Drivers can call 511, go to www.FL511.com, download the FL 511 mobile app or follow #FL511 on Twitter to get real-time updates.
Travelers should be prepared for increased congestion on I-4 from Orlando to Daytona Beach and I-95 from Jacksonville to Titusville, according to FL 511.
A free park-and-ride service is available from Daytona International Speedway all week long. 3 of the 5 lots are along I-95, with one near Exit 273 (US 1) in Ormond Beach, another at Exit 265 (LPGA Boulevard) in Daytona Beach and the 3rd at Exit 249 (State Road 44) in New Smyrna Beach. The other 2 lots are off Interstate 4 at Exit 118 (State Road 44) and at the very end of I-4 eastbound (State Road 400/Beville Road).
Copyright 2016 Southern Stone Communications.