Turnpike toll plaza slated for completion on June 3

BY SONYHA RODRIGUEZ-MILLER

The new Bird Road Toll Plaza on southbound Florida's Turnpike is scheduled to be completed on Saturday, June 3, when the three remaining toll lanes open to traffic 10 months ahead of schedule.

Area motorists have been using the plaza since it opened with seven toll lanes in July 1999.

The new toll lanes will be located on the left (east) side of the plaza. The two lanes farthest to the left will be designated a "SunPass Only." The third lane from the left will accept only exact change.

When completed, the 10-lane toll plaza will have two "SunPass Only" lanes and eight cash lanes -- six "Change-Receipts" lanes and two "Exact Change-Cars Only" lanes -- some of which also accept SunPass. SunPass patrons will be able to use any lane signed with a SunPass logo.

Completion of the Bird Road Toll Plaza Expansion Project is scheduled for spring 2001.

For more information, motorists can call the Bird Road Toll Plaza Expansion Public Information Office at 305-827-2746, ext. 1530, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.