The eastbound lanes of part of the Dolphin Expressway (State Road 836) in Miami will be closed overnight this weekend, necessitating drivers to take alternate routes, officials announced. The closures are scheduled to begin at 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and will continue until 5:00 a.m. the following mornings. This temporary shutdown is part of ongoing construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the infrastructure and safety of the busy expressway. The closure will affect the stretch of the Dolphin Expressway between Northwest 57th Avenue (Red Road) and Northwest 17th Avenue. During these hours, all eastbound traffic will be diverted, and motorists are advised to plan accordingly to avoid delays and congestion. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided a series of detour routes to help drivers navigate around the closed section of the expressway.

FDOT spokesperson Maria Hernandez explained the necessity of the closure. "These overnight closures are essential for the safe and efficient completion of our construction and maintenance projects on the Dolphin Expressway. We understand that this may cause inconvenience for drivers, but we are working to minimize the impact by scheduling the work during overnight hours when traffic is lighter," Hernandez said. Drivers traveling eastbound on the Dolphin Expressway will be directed to exit at Northwest 57th Avenue (Red Road) and follow the posted detour signs. The recommended detour routes include taking Northwest 57th Avenue north to Northwest 12th Street, then heading east to connect with Northwest 17th Avenue, where they can re-enter the eastbound Dolphin Expressway.

Local law enforcement and FDOT personnel will be on-site to assist with traffic management and ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. Additional signage and electronic message boards will be placed along the expressway and detour routes to provide drivers with clear instructions. The construction work taking place during the closures includes resurfacing the roadway, upgrading guardrails, and improving drainage systems. These enhancements are part of a larger project aimed at extending the lifespan of the expressway and enhancing overall safety for drivers. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with periodic lane closures and traffic shifts occurring as necessary.

Commuters who regularly use the eastbound Dolphin Expressway are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes if possible. Those traveling to Miami International Airport, downtown Miami, or other popular destinations in the area should be particularly mindful of the closures and plan their trips accordingly. Local businesses and residents have been notified of the upcoming closures, and FDOT has been working to ensure that any disruptions are kept to a minimum. Business owners along the detour routes have expressed mixed feelings about the closures. While some are concerned about potential traffic congestion and reduced customer access, others understand the importance of the maintenance work and are hopeful that it will lead to long-term benefits.

John Martinez, owner of a convenience store near Northwest 12th Street, shared his thoughts. "We’ve been informed about the closures, and while it might slow down business a bit over the weekend, it’s necessary for the road improvements. We’re hopeful that the upgrades will ultimately make it easier and safer for everyone traveling through here." Residents living near the construction zone have also been informed and are advised to expect some noise and activity during the overnight hours. FDOT has assured the community that efforts will be made to minimize disturbances and that work crews will adhere to strict safety protocols.

For real-time traffic updates and additional information on the closures and detour routes, drivers can visit the FDOT website or use the department’s mobile app. Motorists are also encouraged to tune in to local traffic reports and follow social media updates from FDOT and local news outlets for the latest information. In summary, the eastbound lanes of the Dolphin Expressway (State Road 836) between Northwest 57th Avenue and Northwest 17th Avenue will be closed overnight this weekend from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes and follow posted detour signs. These closures are part of ongoing construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the expressway’s infrastructure and safety. While the closures may cause temporary inconvenience, the upgrades are expected to provide long-term benefits for all motorists using the expressway.

The closure will impact several thousand commuters who rely on the Dolphin Expressway for their daily travel. The expressway is a critical artery in Miami’s transportation network, connecting western suburbs to downtown Miami and Miami Beach. The FDOT has emphasized that while the closure is temporary, the maintenance and improvements are essential for ensuring the expressway’s long-term functionality and safety.

Traffic engineers have been working on the logistics of the closure for weeks, ensuring that detour routes are clearly marked and capable of handling the increased traffic flow. Detour routes have been selected based on their capacity to manage higher volumes of traffic, and adjustments will be made as needed to minimize congestion. FDOT has collaborated with local traffic management centers to monitor traffic conditions in real-time and adjust signal timings along the detour routes to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

The resurfacing of the roadway is a crucial component of the maintenance work, aimed at providing a smoother and safer driving experience for motorists. Over time, wear and tear from constant use and exposure to the elements can cause the road surface to degrade, leading to potholes and other hazards. The resurfacing project will address these issues, enhancing both safety and comfort for drivers.

Upgrading the guardrails is another important aspect of the project. Guardrails are critical for preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway, especially in the event of an accident. The new, modern guardrails being installed are designed to absorb impact more effectively, thereby reducing the severity of crashes and improving overall safety.

Improvements to the drainage systems are also being implemented to address water accumulation on the roadway, which can lead to hazardous driving conditions during heavy rains. The enhanced drainage systems will ensure that water is efficiently diverted away from the road surface, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving overall driving conditions.

While the construction and maintenance work is necessary, FDOT has taken measures to ensure that the impact on the local community is minimized. Noise reduction strategies, such as using quieter machinery and limiting the most disruptive activities to earlier in the evening, are being employed. Additionally, work crews are instructed to maintain a clean and organized work site to reduce visual impact and inconvenience to nearby residents and businesses.

Community engagement has been a key part of the planning process. FDOT has held several public meetings to inform residents and business owners about the project, address their concerns, and gather feedback. This collaborative approach has helped to build understanding and support for the project, ensuring that the needs and preferences of the community are taken into account.

As the weekend approaches, FDOT and local law enforcement are finalizing preparations to ensure a smooth execution of the closure. Additional patrols will be deployed to manage traffic and assist motorists, and temporary signage will be installed to guide drivers along the detour routes. These measures are designed to minimize confusion and ensure that traffic flows as efficiently as possible during the closure.

Drivers are encouraged to check their routes before traveling, stay informed through local traffic updates, and consider using public transportation where possible to reduce congestion. The Miami-Dade Transit Authority has increased services on several bus routes that parallel the expressway, providing an alternative for commuters during the closure.

In conclusion, the eastbound lanes of the Dolphin Expressway (State Road 836) between Northwest 57th Avenue and Northwest 17th Avenue will be closed overnight this weekend from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes and follow posted detour signs. These closures are part of ongoing construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the expressway’s infrastructure and safety. While the closures may cause temporary inconvenience, the upgrades are expected to provide long-term benefits for all motorists using the expressway. The FDOT, local law enforcement, and community stakeholders are working together to ensure the project’s success and to minimize its impact on the local community.