Major Lane Reductions and Closures on SR 836 to Begin This Weekend, Causing Traffic Disruptions

South Florida drivers will face new traffic challenges this weekend as major lane reductions are implemented on State Road 836.

Starting Saturday morning, the eastbound SR 836 ramp to southbound I-95/NW 8th Street will be reduced from two lanes to one to accommodate ramp widening. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) expects the lane restriction to remain in effect for approximately four months.

Overnight closures to begin Friday, Feb. 28, will pave the way for these changes. The eastbound SR 836 ramp to southbound I-95 will be fully closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., requiring drivers to use detour routes.

Detour routes and driver reactions During these closures, drivers can take the northbound I-95 ramp, exit at NW 62nd Street, and turn left to access the southbound I-95 ramp.

Additionally, the northbound NW 12th Avenue ramp to eastbound SR 836 will also be closed overnight. Drivers will need to detour through NW 12th Street, NW 13th Avenue, and NW 14th Street to reconnect with SR 836.

These lane reductions and closures are part of the $840 million I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project, which aims to enhance access, capacity, and traffic flow. According to FDOT, approximately 450,000 vehicles travel through this area each day.

With traffic already heavy in Miami, these changes are expected to further exacerbate congestion.

Long-term benefits, short-term disruptions While the changes will undoubtedly cause temporary inconvenience, FDOT stresses that the project will lead to long-term improvements for Miami’s highway system. Future plans include a new double-deck section offering a direct connection to the MacArthur Causeway and southbound I-95.

The full project is scheduled for completion by 2027. In the meantime, FDOT advises drivers to expect delays and to use alternate routes when possible.

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